iPhone 18 Pro Durability Test Shows Tough Ceramic Shield, Hidden Face ID, and One Very Unusual Scratch Test
The iPhone 18 Pro has already gone through a demanding durability test, and while Apple’s latest Pro model may not look dramatically different from the iPhone 17 Pro series, it still has a few interesting details worth talking about. From its stronger display protection to its under-display Face ID hardware and upgraded camera system, the test gives a closer look at how Apple’s newest flagship holds up in real-world abuse.
Zack Nelson put the burgundy-red iPhone 18 Pro through his usual durability routine, including scratch testing, heat exposure, and the bend test. Since this year’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup brings relatively modest external changes compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the test also includes a rather unusual experiment involving fossilized dinosaur droppings. It turns out that while common objects such as keys and coins can leave visible marks on the anodized glass back, most of those marks can be wiped away without much trouble. The fossilized material, however, proved far less forgiving.
One of the most important upgrades in the iPhone 18 Pro is the new variable aperture system for the 48-megapixel main camera. During the durability test, Nelson gives viewers a magnified look at the camera hardware, offering a rare glimpse at one of the device’s biggest physical changes. Aside from the powerful Apple A20 Pro chip, this camera upgrade appears to be one of the main reasons to consider the new Pro model.
The test also takes a closer look at the Face ID system, which is now hidden beneath the display. Under magnification, the sensor area is still slightly visible in certain lighting conditions and viewing angles. While Apple has made the hidden sensor much less noticeable than earlier under-display camera and sensor implementations from other brands, it is not completely invisible. Still, in everyday use, most users are unlikely to notice it unless they are actively looking for it.
As expected, the iPhone 18 Pro performs very well in scratch resistance. Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 once again proves to be extremely durable, showing strong resistance against everyday damage. This is not entirely surprising, as last year’s iPhone models already performed well in similar tests, but it confirms that Apple’s latest display protection remains among the strongest in the smartphone market.
The burn test also ends without permanent damage to the screen, which is another positive result for Apple’s flagship. Even after direct heat exposure, the display recovers without leaving lasting marks. The bend test is equally impressive, with the iPhone 18 Pro showing no major structural weakness. The frame remains solid, and the phone does not bend or crack under pressure.
Overall, the iPhone 18 Pro durability test suggests that Apple has delivered another very sturdy premium smartphone. While the design may feel familiar and the year-over-year upgrades may not be dramatic, the device offers excellent build quality, a highly resistant display, a hidden Face ID system, and a more advanced main camera.
A teardown is expected to reveal even more about the iPhone 18 Pro’s internal design, especially the new variable aperture camera mechanism. For now, the durability results make one thing clear: Apple’s latest Pro iPhone is built to withstand daily wear and tear, even if you probably should not test it with ancient fossilized waste.
