Apple's iPhone Durability Testing

Introduction

• Recently, a Twitter thread on iPhone durability testing garnered significant interest.
• This presentation shares detailed footage and insights from Apple’s secret iPhone durability testing labs.

Water Resistance Testing

• IP Rating System:
  • Ingress Protection (IP): Measures resistance to solids (first number) and liquids (second number).
  • IP Ratings Examples:
    • IPX4: Light splashes, sweat protection.
    • IP67: Early iPhones up to iPhone 6s had no rating; iPhone 7 was IP67.
    • IP68: Modern iPhones, fully submersible for extended periods.

Testing Procedures

• Drip Ceiling Test: Simulates rain and light splashing (IPX4).
• Jet Spray Test: Rotates jets spraying water from all angles to simulate water pressure (IPX5).
• Fire Hose Test: High-pressure blast to simulate extreme water exposure (IPX6).
• Submersion Test: Pressurized tanks simulate different water depths and extended submersion (IPX7 & IPX8).

Drop Testing

• Internally carried out by Apple using an industrial robot programmed for drop testing.
• Testing Setup:
  • High-speed Phantom cameras and bright lights for precision.
  • Simulates drops on various materials: granite, marble, corkboard, wood, asphalt.
• Purpose: Examines impact on phone’s material and durability through repeated tests.

Shaking Tests

• Specialized machines shake devices thousands of times at specific frequencies.
• Simulates vibrations from environments (e.g., motorcycles, car engines, subway cars).
• Aims to test device durability against years of real-world wear and tear.

Insights from John Ternus

• The Balance of Durability and Repairability:
  • Durability (low failure rates, better for environment) vs. Ease of Repair (difficult to repair but durable).
  • Example: Water ingress protection via seals and adhesives vs. difficulty of battery repairs.
• Intrinsic Testing Philosophy:
  • Apple’s durability measures translate indirectly to sustainability by reducing failure rates and necessary repairs.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway:
  • Apple's extensive testing ensures durability and reliability in real-world conditions.
  • The balance between making devices durable and repairable is thoughtfully considered.
• Stay tuned for more insights and footage from Apple’s testing labs.