iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Top Last Year’s Phones in Bend and Drop Tests

September 24, 2025 September 24, 2025

iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Durability: Drop Test Results

iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro: How Durable Are They Really?

Apple's new iPhone Air, with its incredibly slim 5.6mm titanium frame, and the iPhone 17 Pro have undergone rigorous drop tests by Allstate Protection Plans. The results offer valuable insights into the real-world durability of these flagship devices. While the Air's thin profile raised concerns, the tests reveal a surprisingly robust performance.

This year’s testing provides a direct comparison between the new models and their predecessors, offering a clear picture of Apple's advancements in phone construction. Both the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro utilize Ceramic Shield 2 for both the front and back, a material Apple claims offers superior drop and scratch resistance compared to traditional glass. However, the key differences lie in the chassis materials; the iPhone Air boasts a titanium frame, while the iPhone 17 Pro uses aluminum. The iPhone 17 Pro's aluminum design is more extensive than previous iterations, featuring a minimalistic, rectangular Ceramic Shield cutout on the back for MagSafe charging.

Bend Test Results: Strength Under Pressure

The bend tests yielded impressive results for both phones. The iPhone Air withstood an impressive 190 pounds of pressure before bending, while the iPhone 17 Pro held its shape under 200 pounds of pressure. The iPhone 17 Pro Max showcased even greater resilience, bending only at 240 pounds. This contrasts sharply with the infamous iPhone 6 ("bendgate"), which yielded at a mere 110 pounds of pressure. These results demonstrate significant improvements in structural integrity across Apple's lineup.

Drop Test Results: Face-Down and Back-Down

Face-Down Drops:

The face-down drop tests from six feet resulted in screen shattering for both the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. While both phones remained functional after the impact, the sharp edges of the shattered Ceramic Shield 2 made them unsafe to handle without protection. This highlights a crucial point: while Ceramic Shield 2 is improved, it's still susceptible to cracking under significant impact.

Back-Down Drops:

The back-down drop tests revealed differences in chassis durability. The iPhone 17 Pro's aluminum frame effectively protected it from significant damage, resulting in only minor scuffs after a six-foot drop. The iPhone Air, however, suffered a cracked rear panel, despite remaining functional. This demonstrates the added protection the aluminum frame offers compared to the titanium frame, at least under these specific test conditions.

Comparison to Previous Models: A Year-Over-Year Improvement

Comparing these results to last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max highlights the significant strides made in durability. The iPhone 16 Pro Max's display shattered and rendered the device unusable after a single six-foot face-down drop. The back-down drop also resulted in a shattered rear glass, making it unsafe to handle. The iPhone 17 Pro models, in contrast, showed dramatically improved resilience. While the iPhone Air doesn't quite match the iPhone 17 Pro's drop resistance, it still outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro models substantially.

Water Resistance: Still Impeccable

Allstate's drop tests no longer include dunk tests. Modern iPhones, including the iPhone 17 Pro models and the iPhone Air, boast such robust water resistance (IP68 rating) that water-related testing is deemed redundant. The IP68 rating means both devices can withstand submersion in up to 19 feet of water for 30 minutes.

Conclusion: Enhanced Durability, But Still Room for Caution

Allstate's consistent testing methodology, using the same apparatus and drop height each year, provides a valuable benchmark for assessing year-over-year improvements in iPhone durability. The results strongly support Apple's claims of enhanced durability. However, it is important to remember that Ceramic Shield 2, despite its improved resistance, remains a glass-like material prone to shattering under sufficient force. The angle of impact, drop height, and the surface the phone lands on all play significant roles in the outcome of a fall.

While these results are encouraging, using a protective case and considering a protection plan like AppleCare+ remains a sensible precaution for maximizing the longevity of your investment. The tests provide a controlled environment, but real-world scenarios involve a wider range of variables.

DynaSage.