26-9-2023 (CALIFORNIA) If you’re eyeing the latest iPhone for your next tech upgrade, a recent drop test has delivered a sobering reminder that the back glass on the new iPhones is still susceptible to cracking. Notable YouTubers, Sam Kohl and JerryRigEverything, conducted drop tests on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, revealing a surprising fragility in certain conditions.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are billed as epitomes of durability, featuring Apple’s acclaimed Ceramic Shield material and constructed with a combination of Grade 5 titanium and an aluminium sub-structure for enhanced robustness and reduced weight. However, the findings from these drop tests cast a shadow on the devices’ durability claims.
Sam Kohl, who runs the popular channel Apple Track, went to great lengths to acquire the iPhone 15 early and subjected it to rigorous testing against the iPhone 14 Pro. In a series of repeated drops, both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro initially appeared unscathed. However, as the testing continued, the iPhone 15 Pro’s condition took a turn for the worse, ultimately rendering it non-functional. In stark contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro remained operational.
JerryRigEverything, another renowned tech reviewer, explored the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max through scratch testing, heat testing, sandpaper abrasion, and more. The most revealing moment came when he sought to determine the structural integrity of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s new blended aluminium-titanium hybrid construction. Applying pressure for mere seconds caused the back glass to shatter.
Commenting on the abrupt failure, JerryRigEverything expressed his surprise, saying, “You’ve been watching me durability test smartphones for about 11 years now, and most phones do not break. iPhones especially do not break, like ever. And [the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s] snap was abnormally quick.”
The test results sparked concern among social media users, with one remarking, “Damn that break was shocking,” while another commented, “Damn I was not expecting that back glass to crack with so little pressure lol. I think mine and Zack’s jaws probably dropped at the same time.” One user wryly noted, “Apple: ‘Back glass replacements are now cheaper’ Glass breaks 5x more.”
Despite these unexpected revelations, Apple continues to tout impressive battery life for its new models. The company claims that the iPhone 15 Pro offers up to a full day of use, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts even longer battery endurance. Additionally, both handsets support the Qi2 standard, promising swifter wireless charging speeds. Nevertheless, the findings of these drop tests serve as a stark reminder that even the most advanced technology can be surprisingly delicate under certain circumstances.
