Apple’s latest fashion offerings boast a second-generation Ceramic Shield material, touted as even more resilient than its predecessor. Allstate Protection Plans, a leading provider of gadget insurance coverage, has unveiled the findings of its annual device drop test, offering valuable insights into the durability of the latest iPhone models.
Allstate scrutinized the iPhone Max, Apple’s largest model to date at a substantial 6.9 inches. Despite retaining its glass back and front, Apple’s Ceramic Shield material, designed to provide added sturdiness, still leaves the device vulnerable to damage from unexpected impacts like those caused by a concrete sidewalk.
Using a “DropBot” to simulate drops from a height of six feet, Allstate conducted a series of evaluations. The iPhone 16 Pro Max exhibits signs of wear during a front-down drop test, displaying noticeable scratches and scuffs on its titanium casing. The unexpected drop left the iPhone 16 Professional Max inoperable, yet subtle haptic feedback persisted, suggesting possible repairability.
A durability test revealed that upon a single back-drop fall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s rear glass panel shattered, causing damage to the camera housing. While handling the camera with a damaged glass window was manageable, it wasn’t exactly safe to do so without protective covering on one’s arms.
Without a single smartphone with glass casing surviving Allstate’s rigorous testing via DropBot, it’s hardly surprising that the iPhone 16 Pro Max didn’t fare any better in this brutal drop test? Due to the fragility of glass and laborious surfaces, it’s prudent to develop a comprehensive safety plan, including the use of a protective case or cover, to prevent accidental damage. While traditional drop tests can be cumbersome for evaluating durability in real-world scenarios, the variability in drop angle, height, and surface type – such as the iPhone’s unpredictable descent onto a carpeted floor or concrete pavement – complicates the assessment of its sturdiness.
Following a reevaluation of their assessment procedures, Allstate has discontinued conducting dunk tests due to advancements in iPhone water resistance technology, specifically the robust water-resistance features now standard in iPhone 16 models, which maintain an IP67 rating equivalent to earlier generations. Several YouTube videos have put the iPhone 16 designs to the test by simulating real-life wear and tear through drops, hammering, scratching, and other forms of damage.
AppleCare+ for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus costs $179 for two years or $8.99 monthly, while for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, it’s priced at $199 for two years or $9.99 per month.
The AppleCare+ program offers iPhone 16 Professional Max users an alternative pricing option of $29, whereas without this service, the device’s price remains at $379. If the screen is cracked, an alternative is $29 with AppleCare+ and $199 without; if both the back and front are cracked, it’s $499 ($58 with AppleCare+).
