ByApple launched the iPhone 17 series this month, introducing the usual mix of standard and Pro models — but my personal attention immediately went to the thinnest of them all, the iPhone 17 Air.
At just 5.6 mm, it’s the slimmest iPhone ever, and I couldn’t help but wonder: how would a phone this thin actually hold up in the real world?
On one hand, Apple doesn’t release fragile products — if they built it, you expect it to be good enough. But on the other hand, thin phones have a history of raising durability concerns.
That’s why I was eager to see what happened when JerryRigEverything put the iPhone 17 Air through his signature durability test. I watched the full video, and here’s both what I saw and what I think it means for Apple’s boldest design yet.
iPhone 17 Air Faces the Durability Gauntlet
PS: You can watch Jerry’s video to see the full test:
a. Scratch and Flame Tests
The Air’s front display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, Apple’s updated glass technology. Using Mohs hardness picks, scratches didn’t appear until level 6, with deeper grooves showing at level 7.
For the average consumer, that means the display can comfortably withstand keys, coins, and other pocket hazards.
The titanium frame, while susceptible to cosmetic marks from sharp blades, proved tougher than older aluminum builds. Even under a direct flame, the screen coating remained intact, with no lasting damage to usability.
b. Bend and Stress Trials
Of course, the most anticipated part of the test was the bend trial. Hand pressure caused the phone to flex slightly but it snapped back into its original form — a dramatic contrast to the bending issues of the iPhone 6 Plus.
Even under mechanical stress, the phone endured over 170 pounds of force before audible creaks appeared, and it took more than 216 pounds to crack the front glass. Remarkably, the back glass remained untouched, and the device still functioned despite front damage.
Why It Matters
For consumers, these results mean the iPhone 17 Air offers more than just a thin profile. Apple has managed to combine sleekness with strength, something few manufacturers achieve at this scale.
A titanium frame brings resilience without adding bulk, and Ceramic Shield 2 continues to raise the bar for smartphone glass.
The broader iPhone 17 series also benefits from Apple’s focus on durability. The Pro models carry similar materials, but the Air’s test results highlight how even the most extreme design decisions can be balanced with engineering discipline.
For everyday users, that translates to fewer worries about sitting on their phone, slipping it into a crowded bag, or surviving the occasional mishap.
Beyond the Test
From a market perspective, the iPhone 17 Air may become more than a niche experiment. Its combination of portability and toughness could appeal to professionals and frequent travelers who want a lighter device without compromising on quality.
While it’s unlikely to outsell the Pro models with their advanced cameras, the Air represents Apple’s willingness to revisit ultra-thin designs — this time with the durability lessons of the past firmly in mind.
However, “Apple’s durability win with the Air comes just weeks after Google tried to steal the spotlight with its Pixel 10 event, a launch centered on AI integration and value-driven pricing.
Together, these releases highlight how differently the two tech giants are shaping the smartphone market in 2025.”
Final Thoughts
JerryRigEverything’s test shows that the iPhone 17 Air is not just a showpiece but a capable everyday phone. It flexes under extreme pressure, but it doesn’t break easily. It cracks only at forces most users will never encounter, and even then, it keeps working. Apple has turned a potential liability — thinness — into a headline strength.
With the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple continues to refine performance and design, but the Air sets itself apart. By proving that ultra-thin can still be ultra-durable, it may reshape expectations for future iPhones and, perhaps, for the smartphone industry as a whole.
