Now that the iPhone 16 Pro series is officially launched with a starting price of at least $999, potential buyers are eager to see how the newest "latest-gen" Ceramic Shield displays perform in real-life situations, particularly if dropped from around 12 feet onto concrete, like near the Sydney Opera House.
Vlogger's Drop Test
Australian vlogger MadMatt claims to have conducted the "world's first" drop test on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max. During this test, the high-end device did sustain some damage, including scratches and a non-functional display by the end of the experiment. In comparison, the 16 Pro experienced more severe damage in a drop test performed by AppleTrack host Sam Kohl.
Kohl's test revealed that the display of the new model failed after just a few drops, while both MadMatt's Pro Max and the previous 15-series device held up better. It's possible that the 16 Pro encountered some bad luck, as the device's frame might have impacted the newly designed slim-bezel display at an unfortunate angle during the drop.
Durability Observations
Despite the damage, the 16 Pro's display glass appeared to be "tougher" overall; the cracks that formed during the test did not spread outward as quickly as they did on the 15 Pro. However, the 16 Pro was ultimately rendered unusable, with the camera bump barely attached—indicating that the rear panel lacks the same reinforcement as the front glass.
Interestingly, the new Desert Titanium finish seems more susceptible to visible wear compared to the Natural version. This could be a consideration for buyers, especially since Apple's silicone MagSafe cases are currently available for 14% off on Amazon as of September 20, 2024.
