The curtain has lifted on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, unveiling a host of changes both aesthetically and internally that promise to captivate tech enthusiasts. One of the standout improvements Apple has focused on this time around is the ease of repairability, especially concerning the battery. Remarkably, you can now replace the battery in under 90 seconds, a significant advantage for those wary of costly repairs.
However, all that glitters is not gold, as Apple’s second-generation Ceramic Shield glass, despite being touted as more durable, still shows vulnerability. Recent drop tests suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, in particular, is just as susceptible to damage as its predecessors.
Allstate’s annual drop test offers valuable insights into the robustness of Apple’s latest offering. The results are somewhat disheartening: the Ceramic Shield glass on the iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered just as easily as on previous models. While it’s true that glass will always be glass and prone to breaking, we should note that the larger size of the Pro Max model may compromise the structural integrity of the glass.
This second-generation Ceramic Shield technology boasts enhanced ceramic component infusion aimed at bolstering durability. Allstate’s test involved the use of a “DropBot” that released the phone from a height of six feet, scrutinizing its resistance to various impacts, including face-down and back drops. The titanium frame of the device also bore the brunt of the fall, ending up with visible dents and scuffs.
The outcome? The iPhone 16 Pro Max sustained severe damage, rendering it unusable and shattering its camera housing. Interestingly, despite the carnage, the haptics were still operational, suggesting that, while the device could be repaired, it wouldn’t be safe to use due to the shattered glass. The rear glass fared no better, quickly succumbing to the initial drop and calling into question the effectiveness of Apple’s touted Ceramic Shield technology.
It’s essential to remember that no smartphone has withstood the DropBot’s rigorous testing thus far. These controlled tests mainly highlight that glass, no matter how fortified, will break when dropped from a considerable height. In real-world scenarios, the device might withstand such drops under different conditions.
Adding salt to the wound, the iPhone 16 also lagged behind the Galaxy S24 Ultra in a battery drain test and didn’t secure a top spot in camera performance, falling to fourth place in DxOMark’s assessment. Despite these setbacks, the innovations in repairability and other aspects make the iPhone 16 models a noteworthy addition to Apple’s lineup.
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