Apple puts its products through a lot of tests during the development process, intended to ensure they have a long and reliable life even in challenging conditions.The company tests at least 10,000 iPhones prior to launch in an attempt to cover all the bases.It’s not often the iPhone maker lets outsiders into its labs, but Apple invited some of those attending WWDC 2025 to visit one to see for themselves the conditions it expects its gadgets to survive … To be clear, it’s not the first time Apple has let outsiders take a look around one of its durability testing labs.
MKBHD last year got his own tour, and shared some videos from that.But Counterpoint has this year provided a more detailed description of what those tests involve.They fall into four categories: Environmental Water Impact Vibration Environmental These tests are intended to replicate the climate challenges faced by devices which are used in 175 countries around the world.
Water Protection against water and dust is measured by IP ratings, standards set by the electronics industry with specific criteria for each.For example, the iPhone 16 Pro has an IP68 rating, the highest available.This means it must show no ingress of dust at all in any of the tests, and must continue operating normally after being submerged in water to a depth of six metres for one hour.
Apple’s water tests start gently then ramp up.The IP ratings relate only to dust and water, but Apple’s tests also include other commonly-encountered liquid hazards, like sodas, juices, sunscreen cream, and perfume.Drop tests YouTubers might carry out a small number of unscientific drop tests for fun and views, but dropping your iPhone in the real world is a very different matter.
Every drop is different, depending on the height, the material it lands on, and the precise angle of impact.Apple aims to replicate this enormous variety of drop hazards during its testing.Vibration While a less obvious hazard, an iPhone needs to be able to survive things like sitting in the pannier of a motorcycle travelling over rough ground.
Again, the number of variables involved is huge, so Apple’s tests aim to expose devices to a wide range of frequencies.Highlighted products & accessories iPhone cases Anker 511 Nano Pro ultra-compact iPhone charger Apple MagSafe Charger with 25w power for iPhone 16 models Apple 30W charger for above Anker 240W braided USB-C to USB-C cable You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
