iPhone Survives 16,000-Foot Drop From Alaska Airlines Plane That Blew Apart Mid-Air

In recent years, “drop tests” have become a popular way to test the durability of new iPhones and their cases. As you might expect, these “tests” typically involve dropping the item from a pre-established height—like a bridge, a helicopter, or the roof of a tall building. Whether this exercise is actually a useful barometer of durability or just an excuse to chuck expensive hardware from great heights is a hanging question, but the undeniable point is to see whether the device survives or not.

WatchIs USB-C Finally Coming To iPhone? CCShare SubtitlesOffEnglishAdvertisementIn a follow-up TikTok video, Bates explains that, while he was initially skeptical that the phone had actually come from the plane, his skepticism vanished after he managed to take a look at its contents. “It didn’t have a screen lock on it, so I opened it up and it was in Airplane Mode with a travel confirmation and baggage claim for Alaska 1282,” Bates says in the video. He subsequently called the NTSB and turned the device over to the government. ABC News previously confirmed Bates’ story with the NTSB. AdvertisementIn short: I’d really like to know what kind of case that iPhone was packing. I’m currently in the market for a new screen protector, and whatever product can survive a nosedive out of an airplane is going straight to the top of my list.

Based on reporting by gizmodo.com.