With their protection in Second Generation Ceramic Shieldthe iPhone 16 are supposed to be more durable. But glass is still glass…
Apple’s new iPhone 16s come with rugged protection Second Generation Ceramic ShieldThey stand out for their promise of increased durability.
This material, which is found on the front of the devices, is reinforced with ceramic particles to improve resistance to shocks and scratches.
However, while this technology has evolved from previous versions, it is not infallible. Recent tests conducted on it, such as those published by Allstate Protection Plansgive an insight into the real robustness of the new iPhonesfrom iPhone 16 to iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What is Ceramic Shield?
Apple first introduced the Ceramic Shield with the iPhone 12. The Ceramic Shield consists of Nano-scalar ceramic crystals infused into glassmaking the screen up to four times more resistant to drops compared to traditional glass.
However, despite this notable improvement, Allstate’s tests reveal that even this reinforced material does not always withstand the most severe impacts, especially when in contact with very hard surfaces such as concrete.
iPhone 16 Pro Max drop test results
To measure the real resistance of the new iPhones, Allstate Protection Plans subjected the iPhone 16 Pro Max — the larger model with its 6.9-inch display — to several simulated drop tests with a DropBota robot that reproduces falling conditions.
- Front-facing drop test (screen facing down) : In a 6-foot (about 1.8-meter) drop onto a concrete sidewalk, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Ceramic Shield display cracked, rendering the device unusable despite still having perceptible haptic responses. The drop also scratched the titanium frame.
- Back Drop Test (Back Side Down) : Here, the phone’s back glass shattered after a single fall, and the camera sensor module was damaged. Despite this, the phone remained functional, including the camera.
These results, while disappointing in terms of physical survival, are not surprising. No smartphone with glass has yet managed to survive drop tests on hard surfaces. The marriage of glass and concrete remains fatal, even with the improvements of the Ceramic Shield.
The need for additional protection
Allstate’s test results highlight one inescapable fact: protections like the Ceramic Shield, while effective, are not enough to guarantee complete safety against falls. It is therefore strongly recommended to opt for additional protective accessories such as sturdy hulls or insurances like AppleCare+to protect against everyday accidents.
When it comes to water resistance, Apple maintains the IP68 certified for its iPhone 16, guaranteeing dust and water resistance up to a depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes.
Less academic tests
In addition to Allstate, other content creators have put the iPhone 16s through their paces, sometimes in even more extreme tests involving repeated drops and even hammer blows. The most impressive is the latter. A single blow to the back of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is enough to break its back and front. A slightly stressful two-in-one.
Another interesting point, by comparing these videos, we see how much It is interesting to opt for a titanium model. The iPhone Pro frame barely budges with each fall while the aluminum is dented in one go.
