Apple makes rare apology after iPhone problems

Apple has made a rare apology for a software bug that's seen iPhone users lose service, while seeking to quell a storm over reports that its new handsets are susceptible to bending.

Owners of Apple's giant iPhone 6 Plus say the phone is prone to warping from the pressure of a pants pocket. (Twitter: @oliverfirth)

The slew of negative headlines saw a steep drop in Apple stock, as the US tech giant acknowledged the software glitch, offering a temporary fix immediately and a full update in coming days.

But Apple sought to minimise reports on bending of its newly released oversize iPhone, saying it had received only nine complaints about the matter and that they're engineered and manufactured to be both beautiful and sturdy.