Apple rigorously tests its products through environmental, water, impact, and vibration tests to ensure durability and reliability, including extensive drop tests with robots and environmental simulations like salt, dust, and water exposure, to meet high standards such as IP ratings.
Drop tests comparing the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro revealed that the older model, iPhone 14 Pro, fared significantly better in terms of durability. The iPhone 15 Pro's curved design and rounded edges made it more prone to damage, with shattered glass, damaged lenses, and a non-functional screen after multiple drops. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro remained fully functional with only minor chips and cracks. While the experiment was not conducted under controlled circumstances, the consistent results suggest that the iPhone 14 Pro is more durable than its successor.
The European Space Agency's reusable space vehicle, Space Rider, has entered phase D of development, which involves building and testing. Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory that can stay in orbit for two months. It consists of an orbital module and a reentry module. The review last month gave the go-ahead for building the spacecraft and conducting intensive tests. Space Rider uses a novel braking technique for landing and will undergo tests under various weather conditions. The landing gear design includes a wheel at the front and two skids at the back, allowing more room for experiments inside.