Inside Apple’s Rigorous iPhone Durability Testing with MKBHD

Highlights

• Apple rigorously tests iPhones for waterproofing and durability.
• iPhones undergo multiple levels of water spray tests before release.
• Special machines simulate real-world impacts and vibrations on iPhones.
• Over 300 tests are conducted on 10,000 phone models to ensure durability.

Apple produces the best phones in the world.

Ranging from basic ones to the very expensive Pro Max, they have super features like water protection, face unlocking, and a strong build.

Apple Thoroughly Tests the Durability of Its Phones

#2: There’s an entire room of machines for water and ingress testing

Level 1: A drip tray simulating rain, no real pressure. IPX4

Level 2: A sustained, low-pressure jet spray from any angle. IPX5

Level 3: High pressure spray from a literal firehose. IPX6

Level 4: Locking the… pic.twitter.com/5R38I6QVmW

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) May 29, 2024

A famous YouTuber, Marques Brownlee—better known by his name, MKBHD—was invited to visit Apple’s laboratories to observe how the company tests if new iPhones are tough enough.

Apple has an entire room equipped with special machines to test whether or not water can get inside these phones.

Most probably, Apple had these machines built.

Before going on sale, the iPhones have to pass through many levels of spray tests.

In the first level, the phones get dripped on as the first stage to test for waterproofing.

This gentle dripping of water should not damage the phone.

Next, the iPhones get doused from all angles with a low-pressure stream of water.

This test is to see if the phone can manage light splashing.

Then, it is meant to be sprayed with a high-pressure hose to ensure that the iPhone can manage a strong water jet.

The most difficult test is when the iPhone is locked under water and squeezed to simulate deep-water pressure.

The phone should be able to stand being under the water for a long time without leaks.

Apple also has a special robot that drops iPhones from various directions on different surfaces.

Slow cameras capture the impacts to test for damage.

Another machine shakes iPhones at specific frequencies to imitate vibrations like those of a motorcycle engine.

Over 300 tests are carried out on 10,000 phone models before their sale in Apple stores to ensure that they are really durable.

FAQs

What types of waterproofing tests do iPhones undergo at Apple?

Apple’s waterproofing tests include gentle rain simulations, low-pressure sprays from all angles, high-pressure hose sprays, and submersion in deep water to test for leaks.

How does Apple ensure iPhones can withstand impacts?

Apple uses a special robot to drop iPhones from different angles onto various surfaces, with slow-motion cameras capturing the impacts to check for damage.

What is the purpose of the vibration tests conducted on iPhones?

Vibration tests mimic real-world scenarios, such as the vibrations from motorbike engines, to ensure the iPhones can handle various frequencies without damage.

How many tests does Apple conduct on its iPhones before they go on sale?

Apple conducts over 300 different tests on 10,000 phone models to ensure they meet high durability standards.

Who is Marques Brownlee and what did he discover at Apple’s labs?

Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, is a famous YouTube star who visited Apple’s labs and discovered the extensive testing processes Apple uses to ensure iPhone durability.

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