iPhone Air Survives 130 Pounds Pressure Bend Test

Apple has shared a series of durability tests for its new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 line to show how resilient these devices are under stress. The tests include bending under heavy pressure, scratch resistance, and drop trials (via Tom’s Guide).

In one of the most striking experiments Apple applies about 130 pounds of force to the center of the iPhone Air in a bend test. Despite the thin profile of the device the phone springs back to its original shape after the stress test and shows no lasting curve when placed on a flat surface.

Complementing this lab demonstration, Tom’s Guide’s Mark Spoonauer also attempted to physically bend the device in a live interview and found it held up impressively.

Beyond bending, Apple is also showcasing improvements in scratch resistance for the iPhone 17. The new phones use Ceramic Shield 2 glass which Apple claims is three times more resistant to scratches than its previous version used on the iPhone 16 series.

In the test videos, the display is rubbed with a mineral tip or similar object and afterwards wiped clean showing no visible damage. While the exact hardness of the tip isn’t confirmed, this result gives confidence that everyday wear will be less of a problem.

Apple has not stopped at scratches. The company also reveals drop tests involving the iPhone 17 Pro. Robots drop the phones from various heights onto different surfaces materials typical of what a user might encounter. Those surfaces include things like asphalt boards and harder materials. After the drops, there are no visible cracks to the screen or the body of the phone.

These durability demonstrations serve two purposes. One is to reassure customers that even ultra thin flagship devices can withstand aggressive day to day handling. The other is to highlight material upgrades such as the titanium frame on the iPhone Air.

While lab test results do not always map exactly to real life the signs here are positive. The iPhone Air’s ability to resist 130 pounds of pressure without lasting deformation suggests Apple’s engineering has advanced.

The scratch test and drop tests imply that users may see fewer cracked screens and less damage from small accidents. Still, Apple advises protective measures such as using cases and avoiding harsh treatment.