Apple is officially responding to the "bendgate" controversy. Today the company told CNBC and other media outlets including The Verge that despite an uproar that's emerged online and in the media this week, it has received only nine complaints from customers who've had an iPhone 6 Plus bend through normal use. Apple says the problem is "extremely rare" and is pointing to the design of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as proof that the company took several steps to prevent bending or any permanent deformations. Both models feature steel / titanium inserts meant to reinforce potential stress points, Apple says, and the company also highlights its "ion-strengthened" glass screens as another design element that should keep iPhones from bending out of shape.

ALERT: Apple says only 9 customers have complained to the company about bent iPhones. (via @jonfortt) — CNBC Tech (@CNBCtech) September 25, 2014

The whole saga began soon after the launch of iPhone 6 Plus; images and videos suddenly appeared showing Apple's 5.5-inch phablet with a noticeable bend, and some people claimed the damage resulted simply from storing the phone in a pocket or other everyday scenarios. Since then, follow-up videos have confirmed that iPhone 6 Plus can be bent when enough force is applied, but Apple insists this isn't something customers should be worrying about. But it is happening, and not just to people clamoring for YouTube exposure. Wired's Mat Honan and Business Insider's Steve Kovach have both reported slight warping in the iPhones they've recently reviewed. For the record, our review unit iPhone 6 Plus exhibits no such issues.

All in all, it's been a rough week for the Cupertino company — for more than one reason. Even if "bendgate" is a non-story, it's getting plenty of coverage in the mainstream media and a whole ton of people are hearing about it. And Apple's completely botched rollout of iOS 8.0.1 yesterday was very real, easily qualifying as one of its worst blunders in recent memory. But Apple has pledged to right the misstep and says iOS 8.0.2 will be released sometime over "the next few days." Controversy hasn't exactly stopped Apple from selling its latest iPhones at a lightning pace. Even now, amid all the bending hysteria, iPhone 6 Plus remains sold out at most retailers. Apple's full statement, provided to The Verge, follows below.