Highlights
- The iPhone Air withstood over 215 lbs of force without snapping, proving its structural resilience.
- Scratch tests showed no damage at level 6 and only faint marks at level 7 on the Mohs scale.
- YouTuber JerryRigEverything validates Apple’s “most durable iPhone ever” claim.
Caption – Newly launched iPhone Air appears on JerryRigEverything’s durability test. (Image credit – JerryRigEverything on YouTube)
Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet is the new iPhone Air. It measures just 5.6mm in thickness and quite understandably raises a whole lot of concerns about its durability. Since the launch, Apple fans and critics have all been waiting for the famous bend test results, and their wait is finally over.
Popular durability tester JerryRigEverything on YouTube has finally released the much-awaited video where they put the new iPhone Air through rigorous bend and scratch tests. The good news is, the results strongly back Apple’s claims of making its “most durable iPhone ever.”
iPhone Air bend test proves Apple’s durability claims
Caption – iPhone Air’s bend test. (Image credit – JerryRigEverything on YouTube)
In his hands-on video, JerryRigEverything applied maximum force to bend the iPhone Air. While the phone flexed under pressure, it quickly returned to its original flat shape without snapping. Even after repeated attempts, the iPhone Air refused to break, showcasing impressive structural resilience.
When human force wasn’t enough, the YouTuber switched to a mechanical setup to push the phone beyond its limits. The iPhone Air only gave way after enduring over 215 lbs of point force. Even then, while the front glass shattered, the back glass stayed intact and the touch screen digitiser remained functional. The bend test basically proved just how robust Apple’s latest design is.
Ceramic Shield 2 sets new standards in scratch resistance
Caption – iPhone Air’s scratch test. (Image credit – JerryRigEverything on YouTube)
It wasn’t just the frame that impressed. The front display, protected by Apple’s second-generation Ceramic Shield glass, performed significantly better in scratch resistance tests. Traditionally, smartphone glass begins to scratch at levels 5 or 6 on the Mohs hardness scale with sapphire scoring 9.
As JerryRigEverything’s iconic line goes, “scratches at level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7.” However, with the new Ceramic Shield 2, both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air showed no visible scratches at level 6 and only faint marks at level 7. This is a clear improvement over previous iPhones and supports Apple’s claim of up to 3x better scratch resistance.
So, this leap in screen protection combined with the iPhone Air’s bend resistance bodes well for everyday use. While Apple recommends protective accessories like its new Clear Case, the tests confirm that the iPhone Air can withstand both physical stress and daily wear far better than its predecessors.
For users worried about longevity, you can check out the entire video below –
FAQs
Q1. How did the iPhone Air perform in the bend test?
Answer. Despite being just 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air withstood over 215 lbs of force. It flexed but returned to shape, showing impressive structural resilience.
Q2. What is Ceramic Shield 2 in iPhone Air and how scratch-resistant is it?
Answer. Ceramic Shield 2 is Apple’s upgraded front glass protection. It showed no scratches at level 6 and only faint marks at level 7 on the Mohs scale—better than previous iPhones.
Q3. Is the iPhone Air suitable for everyday use without a case?
Answer. While Apple recommends using a case, tests confirm the iPhone Air can handle daily wear and physical stress far better than its predecessors.