Apple’s latest iPhone 16 models are equipped with second-generation Ceramic Shield material, which the company claims is significantly tougher than its predecessor. This enhancement is intended to improve the devices’ durability, particularly against everyday accidents. However, recent testing conducted by Allstate Protection Plans presents a different perspective on the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s resilience under pressure.
Allstate, known for its comprehensive device insurance, performed its annual drop tests on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Despite the upgraded Ceramic Shield, which is infused with ceramic to enhance its strength, the device’s glass front and back remain vulnerable to damage. The tests were designed to simulate real-world drop scenarios, demonstrating that even the toughest materials can be susceptible to the impact of a concrete surface.
Using a “DropBot,” Allstate executed several drop tests from a height of six feet, with revealing results. In the front-down drop test, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display shattered upon impact, and visible scratches appeared along the titanium frame. This particular drop rendered the device unusable, although haptic responses could still be felt, indicating that repair was still a possibility.
Despite Apple’s advanced features and claims of enhanced toughness, the glass construction of the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a significant vulnerability. For consumers who depend on their devices for both work and personal use, understanding this aspect of durability is crucial.
In addition to Allstate’s testing, JerryRigEverything’s Zack Nelson also conducted his own durability assessment, revealing further insights about the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Nelson found that, while Apple states its new Ceramic Shield glass is 50% tougher than its predecessor and twice as tough as other smartphones, the display still scratched relatively easily with various tools. He also critiqued the design of the rear camera system, suggesting it was optimised for spatial video- a feature he implied has limited appeal.
Moreover, Nelson noted that although the iPhone can film at 120 fps in 4K, similar capabilities had already been introduced by competitors like Samsung with their S24 Ultra. Throughout his test, he highlighted Apple’s tendency to reintroduce existing technologies at premium prices, suggesting a lack of true innovation compared to rival brands.
