(StatePoint) The latest devices are packed with expensive new features, including advanced AI features, call transcription, and displays large enough for gaming and focused viewing. And while new research shows they’re also more durable, they’re not indestructible.
For the past 13 years, Allstate Protection Plans has conducted a series of breakage tests to determine the strength of the latest and greatest devices. The mobile protection plan provider recently tested the new iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a more contextual Siri, AI-powered writing tools, AI-powered image generation, and the display is made from Ceramic Shield material, Apple announced. It’s twice as strong as smartphone glass.
If you’ve jumped on board with this new model or are thinking about doing so, you may be wondering how durable it really is and how to protect your investment. Here are the results of Allstate Protection Plans’ destructive drop tests.
Head-on drop test: The iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered across its display and suffered scratches along its titanium frame after a single drop face-down onto a sidewalk from a height of 6 feet. Upon impact, the display went black, then flashed white for about two minutes, before finally turning black permanently. This made the device unusable. However, repairs may save your device. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max front screen repair for $379 without AppleCare.
Back-down drop test: After a single back-down drop from a height of 6 feet onto a sidewalk, the iPhone 16 Pro Max shattered on the back panel and damaged the raised glass camera housing. The device maintains full functionality including all camera features, which is an improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the raised and loose glass made it unsafe to handle with bare hands. Apple.com lists iPhone 16 Pro Max rear panel repairs for $199 without AppleCare.
Since the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 and repairs without AppleCare can cost as much as $749, Allstate Protection Plans strongly recommends using a phone case and screen protector. For added security, consumers are encouraged to obtain a mobile protection plan. For more information, visit AllstateProtectionPlans.com.
“As smartphones enter the AI era, they also enter a new era of durability,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “Despite this, Americans still spend billions of dollars each year on screen repairs, making it important that we continue to take steps to protect our devices.”
