Since the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max hit store shelves last Friday, the tech community has been abuzz with teardowns and durability tests. We’ve already seen two detailed video teardowns, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. Zack Nelson from the popular JerryRigEverything YouTube channel has gotten his hands on the new devices and put them through his infamous durability test, which includes scratching, burning, and of course, bending. So, does the iPhone 18 Pro live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the results.
Scratch Test: Ceramic Shield 2 Shines
The durability test begins, as always, with the scratch test. Zack uses Mohs hardness picks to determine how resistant the display glass is to scratches. The iPhone 18 Pro features Apple’s latest Ceramic Shield 2, which the company claims is tougher than any smartphone glass. In the test, the screen scratches at level 7 on the Mohs scale, with deeper grooves appearing at level 8. This is consistent with previous Ceramic Shield versions and remains the best performance among mainstream smartphones. For context, most other phones scratch at level 6, so the iPhone 18 Pro offers superior resistance to everyday wear and tear.
Moving to the frame, the iPhone 18 Pro is constructed from grade 5 titanium, a material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. The titanium frame proves highly resistant to scratches, with only minor marks appearing from the picks. The matte finish also helps hide fingerprints and smudges, keeping the device looking pristine.
Burn Test: OLED Display Holds Up
Next up is the burn test, where a lighter is held against the screen for about 10 seconds. The iPhone 18 Pro’s OLED display shows some white pixels initially, but they quickly recover, leaving no permanent damage. This is a testament to the display’s durability and Apple’s engineering. It’s worth noting that no smartphone screen is completely immune to high heat, but the iPhone 18 Pro handles it better than most.
Bend Test: The Moment of Truth
Now, the part everyone’s been waiting for: the bend test. Zack applies pressure to the back of the phone, attempting to bend it. The iPhone 18 Pro flexes slightly but does not crack or permanently deform. The titanium frame and internal reinforcement keep the device rigid. Even when pressure is applied to the front, the phone holds up well, with no catastrophic failure. This is a significant improvement over some earlier iPhone models that were criticized for bending easily.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Is More Durable
Apple has made several design changes to enhance durability. The titanium frame is not only strong but also lighter than stainless steel, contributing to a better feel in the hand. The Ceramic Shield 2 front glass is tougher than ever, and the back glass is also reinforced. Internally, the phone uses a new chassis design that distributes stress more evenly, reducing the risk of bending. These improvements make the iPhone 18 Pro one of the most durable flagships on the market.
Comparison with Previous Models
To put things in perspective, let’s compare the iPhone 18 Pro’s durability with that of its predecessors. The iPhone 15 Pro also featured a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield, but the 18 Pro takes it a step further with Ceramic Shield 2 and a refined internal structure. In bend tests, the iPhone 15 Pro performed well, but the 18 Pro shows even less flex. The scratch resistance remains top-tier, and the burn test results are consistent. Overall, the iPhone 18 Pro is a refinement rather than a revolution, but it’s a solid improvement.
What This Means for Everyday Use
For most users, the iPhone 18 Pro will easily withstand daily wear and tear. Keys and coins in your pocket might leave minor scratches on the frame, but the screen is highly resistant to scratches from everyday objects. Accidental drops are still a risk, but the titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 provide better protection than most. If you’re prone to dropping your phone, a case is still recommended, but the iPhone 18 Pro is more likely to survive without one.
Should You Worry About Bending?
The short answer is no. The iPhone 18 Pro is not prone to bending under normal use. The bend test shows that it can withstand significant force without deforming. Unless you intentionally try to bend it with extreme force, you won’t have any issues. Apple has clearly addressed the bendgate concerns from the past, and the iPhone 18 Pro is a robust device.
Final Thoughts
Zack’s durability test confirms that the iPhone 18 Pro is a tough cookie. It excels in scratch resistance, handles heat well, and passes the bend test with flying colors. If you’re looking for a phone that can take a beating, the iPhone 18 Pro is a great choice. As always, if you want to see the full test, check out the video on JerryRigEverything’s YouTube channel.
