iPhone Air Bends Well but Avoid Sitting on It

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The iPhone Air stands out as Apple’s thinnest smartphone to date, and the company asserts that it’s “more durable than any previous iPhone.” Recently, they shared a bending test video with the media, demonstrating the device’s ability to withstand stress and even recover from it.

The Key Takeaway

Apple incorporated a grade 5 titanium frame into the iPhone Air, reinforced further with Ceramic Shield, which provides four times the drop resistance. Despite its ultra-slim profile of just 5.5 millimeters, doubts about its strength naturally arise. However, initial impressions suggest that the phone is indeed quite resilient.

Inside the Rigorous Testing

Apple showcased a behind-the-scenes demonstration of the iPhone Air’s durability using specialized equipment. During the test, the device endured a vertical load of 130 pounds without any cracks or permanent deformation. After applying this pressure, the phone was placed on a table and, remarkably, returned to its original flat shape within seconds, all while remaining fully functional.

A YouTube view of the test reveals the remarkable resilience of the iPhone Air under significant weight. According to reports from MobileSyrup, pushing the device with 130 pounds of force resulted in no damage at all, showcasing its robustness despite its incredibly slim frame.

Proceed with Caution

While these laboratory results are promising and suggest that the iPhone Air may avoid the “bendgate” issues that earlier models faced, it’s important to remember that real-life scenarios can differ. For instance, an average adult weighing over 130 pounds might accidentally sit on the device for an extended period, or it could face other substantial forces that tests don’t replicate.

Costly Repairs Ahead

Replacing a damaged screen or back glass isn’t going to be inexpensive. AppleCare covers certain types of damage—specifically, damage limited to the screen or back glass—but only under specific conditions. According to the latest support documents, the device must not have additional damage, such as dents or deformation of the enclosure, that would prevent Apple from replacing the screen or back glass.

In summary, the iPhone Air demonstrates impressive strength for its slender design, but users should still handle it with care to avoid costly repairs.