iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro: Bend & Drop Test Comparison Apfelpatient

The durability of smartphones has been a crucial issue for many users for years. iPhones have repeatedly been criticized for giving way too quickly when dropped or under pressure. With the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple presents two models that not only impress with their design and performance, but also with their new robustness. Recent tests by Allstate Protection Plans provide insight into the stability of these devices compared to their predecessors.

Apple has had to endure some negative headlines in the past. The iPhone 6 became infamous under the term "Bendgate" because it could be bent even under relatively light pressure. However, the technology has noticeably advanced in recent years. With a titanium frame, a redesigned aluminum design, and the second generation of Ceramic Shield, Apple aims to eliminate these weak points. Whether this has been achieved is demonstrated by the bend and drop tests conducted annually on the latest models.

iPhone Air: Thin, light, yet sturdy

The iPhone Air is just 5.6 millimeters thick, making it one of the slimmest smartphones Apple has ever built. Despite its slim design, the device is astonishingly durable. The titanium frame ensures that the iPhone Air only buckled in the bending test under 190 pounds of pressure. That's almost on par with the iPhone 17 Pro. Drops, however, reveal the limits of this delicate construction. In a test with the iPhone face down from a height of about 1.8 meters, the display shattered, although the iPhone continued to function. The crack was so sharp that it was almost impossible to use without repair. A drop with the back down caused a crack on the back, but the device remained functional.

iPhone 17 Pro: Improved frame and Ceramic Shield 2

The iPhone 17 Pro uses a reinforced aluminum design instead of titanium. It also features Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back. In bend tests, it withstood 200 pounds of pressure, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max even withstood 240 pounds. This makes both models significantly more robust than previous generations. The back performed particularly well in the drop test: When dropped from a height of 1.8 meters with the back facing down, only minor scratches were visible. The iPhone 17 Pro remained fully usable. However, when dropped face down, the display also shattered.

Ceramic Shield 2: More protection, but not indestructible

Both the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro use Ceramic Shield 2. Apple promises better protection against drops and scratches compared to regular glass. Tests show that progress has been made, but limitations remain. If an iPhone falls face-first onto a hard surface, the material breaks similarly to glass. While functionally intact, the devices remain unavoidable due to the sharp edges.

Comparison with older iPhone models

The progress is evident in a direct comparison. The iPhone 6 bent under 110 pounds of pressure, while the current models can withstand almost twice that. Differences also become apparent in the drop test: The iPhone 16 Pro Max's display shattered after the first drop from 1.8 meters, rendering the device unusable. The back also shattered immediately. The iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro perform significantly better here and are at least still usable after a drop.

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Water protection according to IP68

In addition to their increased break resistance, the latest iPhones still feature IP68 certification. This means they can survive up to 30 minutes at a depth of 5.8 meters without damage. Submersion tests are now unnecessary, as water resistance has been at a high level for years.

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iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro: More stable than ever

The test results clearly show that Apple has noticeably improved the durability of its iPhones. Despite its extremely thin construction, the iPhone Air demonstrates impressive stability, while the iPhone 17 Pro appears particularly robust thanks to its aluminum design and Ceramic Shield 2. Both models are significantly superior to their predecessors, even though displays can still break from head-on drops. They are also waterproof to IP68. The new iPhones are not indestructible. Drop protection with cases remains a sensible option, and a protection plan like AppleCare+ is still a good idea. However, compared directly to previous generations, the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro offer a clear increase in durability. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including accessories for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)