Apple has billed the iPhone XS and XS Max as having the ‘most durable glass ever in a smartphone.’
But neither device could survive being dropped onto a cement sidewalk.
New drop tests from device insurer SquareTrade confirmed that both of Apple’s latest high-end smartphones are prone to shattering when dropped from six feet above the ground.
The iPhone XS and XS Max are made up of a glass display on the front, as well as a glass panel on the back side of the device.
And while SquareTrade found that the new models are much more durable than their predecessor, the now-discontinued iPhone X, they still managed to fail every drop test.
In a back down drop test from six feet, the iPhone XS suffered a shattered screen, which produced loose glass that was, in some cases, separated from the display.
Meanwhile, the XS Max also shattered due to the drop, causing loose and raised glass shards.
A front-down drop test from six feet produced largely the same results for both phones, resulting in a shattered screen and loose glass for the XS Max.
But it was worse for the iPhone XS, which had shattered and loose glass. The phone’s touchscreen was also rendered effectively inoperable.
New drop tests from device insurer SquareTrade confirmed that both of Apple’s latest high-end smartphones are prone to shattering when dropped from six feet above the ground
Both phones were placed in a 60 second tumble test, which caused hairline cracks, loose glass and scratches, according to SquareTrade.
Again, the iPhone XS suffered far more damage than the XS Max when it cracked under 250lbs of pressure, resulting in ‘complete screen failure.’
That’s why SquareTrade ultimately assigned the iPhone XS Max a higher durability score of 70, meaning that it has a ‘medium risk’ of breakability.
By comparison, the iPhone XS was given a durability score of 86 and has a ‘high risk’ of breaking.
‘We were super impressed with the iPhone XS Max, which is much stronger than its discontinued predecessor, the iPhone X,’ Jason Siciliano, vice president global creative director at SquareTrade, said in a statement.
While SquareTrade found that the new models are much more durable than their predecessor, the now-discontinued iPhone X, the iPhone XS and XS Max still failed every drop test
If iPhone users do end up shattering their device, it can come at a big cost. Repairing a broken screen on the iPhone XS and XS Max costs $279 and $329, respectively
‘However, as with the iPhone X, our tests show the all-glass design of the iPhone XS and XS Max make them highly susceptible to cracking, particularly from drops, the most common cause of damage.’
What’s more, if iPhone users do end up shattering their device, it can come at a big cost.
Apple charges $279 to fix a broken screen on the iPhone XS, while repairing other damage costs $549.
For the iPhone XS Max, it costs $329 to repair a broken screen and other repairs can cost as much as $599.
These costs apply to consumers who don’t already have Apple Care.
That said, if you’re worried about your phone falling into the toilet, you’re in luck.
SquareTrade found that the iPhone XS and XS Max survived being completely submerged in 5ft, or 138 cans, of beer for 30 minutes without sustaining any damage.