Ever Trend Zone Apple places products in many tests during the development process. This is intended to lead a long and reliable life even in challenging conditions. The company will test at least 10,000 iPhones prior to launch to cover all bases.
While iPhone makers don’t often put outsiders in the lab, Apple has invited some of the people participating in WWDC 2025 to visit to see for themselves what conditions the gadgets expect to survive…
To be clear, it’s not the first time Apple has let outsiders look at one of its durability testing labs. Mkbhd took his own tour last year and shared several videos from there. However, counterpoints provided a more detailed explanation of what is involved in those tests this year.
They fall into four categories.
- environment
- water
- Impact
- vibration
environment
These tests are intended to replicate the climate challenges faced by devices used in 175 countries around the world.
We witnessed a salt exposure test lasting for 100 hours, witnessed high-light intensity exposure, exposure to dust from the Arizona Desert, and analyzed what happens when fine sand particles enter the iPhone’s speaker or charging port. Some tests in the case of AirPods include the production of artificial versions of sweat and ear wax. These tests have been further tweaked to account for some of the usage data for devices that Apple has access to. This highlights the complex efforts of the lab that are consistent with the changing environment.
water
Water and dust protection is measured by IP ratings. This is set by the electronics industry, each with a specific standard.
For example, the iPhone 16 Pro has an IP68 rating, with the highest rating available. This must be prevented from showing any dust penetration in any tests and must continue to work properly after being submerged in the water to an hour deep.
Apple’s water inspection begins gently and ramps up.
The IPX chamber test starts with a basic intravenous ceiling test to simulate rain and basic water intrusion. This is followed by mimicking water pressure through jets around every corner of the product. If the product passes this test, it will be eligible for an IPX5 rating.
Then, high pressure water splashes in the distance, resulting in product IPX6 ratings, and finally, a pressurized tank simulating the water depth gives a product IPX7 and IPX8 rating with successful submersions of up to 1 meter and 6 meters, respectively.
While IP ratings are only related to dust and water, Apple’s testing also includes the risks of commonly occurring liquids such as soda, juice, sunscreen and perfumes.
Drop Test
YouTubers may run a few unscientific drop tests for fun and view, but dropping an iPhone in the real world is a very different problem. All drops will vary depending on the height, the material you are landing, and the exact angle of the impact.
Apple aims to replicate this vast variety of drop hazards during testing.
To get closer to real-world scenarios, Apple has developed a robot that drops devices at different angles, even different surfaces, including particles, granite, and asphalt boards. Additionally, each drop is analyzed through apps accessed by Apple engineers.
vibration
Although not so obvious, the iPhone needs to be able to survive something like sitting on a bike pannier moving on rough ground. Again, the number of variables involved is enormous, so Apple’s testing aims to expose the device to a wide range of frequencies.
These frequencies are simulated via vibration tables and create a variety of shaking environments and effects that products may see during transportation or other real-world conditions, including motorcycles from various manufacturers. The vibration table had long-term tied products on it, exposed to different frequencies.
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