Allstate Protection Plans Finds the Smartest iPhone Yet Is More Durable—but Not Indestructible

Brisbane, CA – Monday September 23, 2024

This year marks Allstate Protection Plans’ 25th anniversary and the 13th anniversary of its Breakability device tests, which have evaluated the durability of hundreds of devices, including Apple iPhones dating back to iPhone 4. With the launch of the Apple iPhone 16 series—featuring some of the largest models yet—Allstate Protection Plans put 16 Pro Max through its longest-running test: the sidewalk drop.

With advanced AI capabilities like a more contextual Siri, AI-driven writing and proofreading tools, call recording and transcription, and AI-powered image generation, iPhone 16 is Apple’s smartest smartphone yet. To get the most out of these capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the largest display in iPhone history at 6.9 inches. Apple claims it also has “latest-generation Ceramic Shield material that’s two times tougher than any smartphone glass,” making it the most durable iPhone ever.

Recent iPhone models have survived Allstate Protection Plans’ dunk tests with so little impact that the test has been retired for Apple smartphones. However, all smartphones remain vulnerable to drops, including Apple’s flagship Pro Max models—and the new 16 Pro Max.

Allstate Protection Plans Breakability Drop Test of the iPhone 16 Pro Max can be viewed here and includes the following results: ​​

• Face-Down Drop Test: After one face-down drop on a sidewalk from six feet, iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered across its display and suffered scuffing along its titanium frame. Upon impact, the display went black, then flickered white for approximately two minutes, before finally going permanently black. This rendered the device unusable. However, haptic responses could still be felt when pressing the power and camera buttons, so it’s possible the device could be saved with repair. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max front screen repair as $379 (without AppleCare).
• Back-Down Drop Test: After one back-down drop on a sidewalk from six feet, iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered across its rear panel and suffered damage to its raised glass camera housing. The device remained fully functional, including all camera capabilities, which is an improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, it was not safe to handle with bare hands due to raised and loose glass. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max rear panel repair as $199 (without AppleCare).

Evolution of Breakability Tests

In 2014, the Allstate Protection Plans (then known as SquareTrade) iPhone 6 dunk test was 10 seconds in less than a foot of water. Five years later in 2019, the iPhone 11 remained functional after being submerged by the DunkBot for 30 minutes in five feet of water. Later in 2014, ‘Bendgate’ emerged after iPhone 6 Plus users reported their phones bending in pockets. Allstate Protection Plans responded with the BendBot revealing that the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge cracked under the same pressure as the iPhone 6 Plus. With the rise of foldable phones, they introduced the FoldBot, demonstrating Samsung’s folding models could handle up to 120,000 folds. However, no smartphone has survived DropBot.

“As smartphones enter their AI era, they’re also entering a new era of durability,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “Advances in design, materials, and technology over the years have made them less susceptible to liquid damage. And yet, as their capabilities grow, and so do the size of their glass displays, they’re still vulnerable to screen damage—the most common type of smartphone damage according to our most recent mobile survey.”

With the iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at $1,199 and repairs costing as much as $749 (without AppleCare), Allstate Protection Plans highly recommends the use of phone cases and screen protectors. For added security, consumers are advised to get a mobile protection plan. For more information, visit AllstateProtectionPlans.com.