Popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee recently had the opportunity to visit an Apple lab to observe how the company tests the durability of its new iPhone handsets. Brownlee shared video clips showcasing various tests designed to ensure iPhones meet certain standards before being released.
Water and Ingress Testing The initial videos highlight Apple’s process for testing iPhones for IP ratings. The first test involves a drip tray simulating a rain shower, followed by a low-pressure jet spray. These tests are conducted with careful precision, similar to the design of the iPhone itself. The final test in this series involves blasting the handset with a powerful jet of water through a firehose, followed by submerging the iPhone in a container of water to test its resistance over extended periods. These tests help Apple verify the durability of iPhones in various water-related scenarios.
Levels of Water and Ingress Testing:
- Level 1: A drip tray simulating rain (IPX4).
- Level 2: A sustained, low-pressure jet spray from any angle (IPX5).
- Level 3: High-pressure spray from a firehose (IPX6).
- Level 4: Submersion in water for an extended period.
Drop Testing Brownlee also showcased Apple’s use of a special robot designed to drop iPhones from various heights and angles. This allows engineers to assess the durability of the handset’s frame. High-speed cameras capture the moment of impact in slow motion, helping to identify any structural issues with the design.
Vibration Testing Another intriguing durability test involves shaking the phone at computer-controlled frequencies to simulate real-world scenarios like a motorcycle ride or a subway trip. This test is crucial, considering past reports of iPhone camera issues due to vibrations from high-powered motorcycle engines. Apple still advises against exposing iPhones to such vibrations on its support page.
Observations from Brownlee’s Visit
- Water Testing: Various levels of water resistance tests, from simulating rain to high-pressure sprays.
- Drop Testing: Use of industrial robots to drop iPhones from different angles and heights.
- Vibration Testing: Simulating vibrations from motorcycles and subways to test durability.
For more detailed insights and videos from Brownlee’s visit, including his conversation with Apple’s head of hardware engineering, you can check out the entire thread on his social media feed.