1.2101871-1269114814
The new Apple iPhone 8 is on display at Dubai Mall Apple Store in Dubai. Image Credit: AFP

A growing number of customers from different parts of the world are reporting that their Apple’s new iPhone 8 is popping open due to battery swelling, sparking safety fears about the new phone.

A spokesperson for the California-based tech giant, however, downplayed concerns Friday to VICE News.

All reports from customers in several countries fit a pattern: the iPhone’s screen pops open as a result of an engorged battery.

In China, where the state-run ThePaper.cn website reported that a customer found his newly-purchased iPhone 8 Plus had the problem — though there were no signs of fire or an explosion.

The report matches others coming from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Greece, and Canada during the past week. 

Already damaged

While in certain cases the units reportedly arrived already damaged, in others the battery swelled when the phone was charged for the first time.

In the latter case, the customer was supposedly using only an official Apple power adapter and Lightning to USB cable.

Following the first two reports, an Apple spokeswoman told MacRumors that the company is "aware" and "looking into" the matter.

But the company didn't immediately respond to a request for an update on the status of the investigation. Apple routinely looks into any possible safety concerns with its devices.

Incidents

As of Saturday, October 7, the "swelling" incidents of iPhone 8 Plus had been reported in at least half a dozen cases.

According to IANS, the Indian news agency, the swelling and split-apart phones have been seen in newly-launched both Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models.

CNET also found at least six different reports in at least five countries of the iPhone 8 splitting along.

So far, there have not been any fires.

"[Swelling is] very unusual for a brand-new battery and leads toward the direction of there's something fundamentally wrong with this battery," Sam Jaffe, Managing Director of Cairn Energy Research Advisors, told The Verge.

But it could be a few units, accoording to report, must if more reports come out, it could affect Apple's reputation it had built for years.

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus went on sale on September 22. Apple was yet to release figures for the early sales of iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

Last year, the batteries of the Galaxy Note 7 started exploding. Samsung counted several such incidents across the globe (over 90 Galaxy Note 7 smartphones owners in the US reported overheating).

Amid conspiracy theories, a global recall of 2.5 million devices was announced quickly and faster replacements were guaranteed.

The fiasco over Samsung's flagship smartphone caused the firm operating losses of some $5 billion.