Is the iPhone X the Most Fragile iPhone Apple Ever Built?

www.newsweek.com ^ | 11/7/17 at 7:26 AM | By Anthony Cuthbertson

[Red Badger]

When Apple unveiled the iPhone X in September, it seemed the tech giant had finally addressed one of the most common complaints about iPhones: Their propensity for the screen to shatter when dropped.

Apple said the glass on its three new iPhones—the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X—would be tougher than not just its predecessors, but all other smartphones out there.

The new generation of iPhones “are reinforced by a steel and copper structure with the 50 percent deeper strengthening layer using our dual ion-exchange process,” Apple said, adding that it is “the most durable glass ever made in a smartphone.”

Since its release on Friday the usual slew of tests and reviews that come with the launch of a new Apple product have inundated social media platforms. It didn’t take long for Apple’s claims to be put in doubt, with some initial drop tests concluding that the iPhone X is the “most breakable iPhone ever.”

Electronics insurance firm SquareTrade conducted a series of drop tests and other durability experiments designed to see if Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever is also its most durable. In a video posted on Monday, the company gave the iPhone X a “high risk” breakability score, noting failures of the Home swipe and Face ID, as well as extensive shattering and splintering.

SquareTrade is using the drop tests as a way to push its insurance on iPhone X customers, saying in the video: “Technology comes at a price. Drop it, and you’ll pay.” But several other drop tests performed by independent bloggers since the iPhone X release have shown similar results.

[Swordmaker]

Another thing that can be done with ‘old phones’ is they can be donated to women’s and childrens’ protection charities.

Good point. Some women who go to women's shelters don't qualify for Obama phones.

[TheBattman]

Sounds like a hosed update... something got screwed up in the installation. I’ve heard of a few options to “Fix” such a case - but again, it isn’t the norm, despite vocal complaints from those who have experienced such an issue.

I pinged Swordmaker in case he has a suggestion.

[Arlis]

Thanks!