iPhones retain about 40% more value than Android devices in the refurbished market and benefit from at least five years of software updates, extending their usability and second or third lives.

Apple has detailed its comprehensive product durability testing process, which includes inviting outside YouTubers and research firms to tour its facilities to demonstrate how it balances design, durability, and repairability in devices like the iPhone and iPad.

The company conducts rigorous environmental testing, simulating conditions such as high humidity, extreme temperatures, salt exposure, intense light, and desert dust to ensure device resilience across various global environments.

Apple also performs drop tests using robots that simulate accidental falls onto different surfaces and angles, addressing a common cause of smartphone repairs.

Vibration testing is part of Apple's durability assessments, exposing devices to various frequencies to mimic transportation shocks and environmental vibrations, including those from motorcycles.

Water resistance is tested through IPX chamber simulations that replicate rain, water spray, high-pressure water, and immersion at depths of 1 to 6 meters, ensuring devices meet IPX5 to IPX8 waterproof standards.

Research from 2023 shows that approximately 60% of iPhone and Android owners report their devices functioning normally over time, with only a small percentage experiencing damage such as cracks or becoming unusable.

In addition to durability, Apple emphasizes repairability, though research suggests a potential trade-off where highly durable products may be more difficult to repair.

Most smartphone repairs are caused by drops, leading Apple to recommend protective cases with lips to prevent damage to the front and back glass from falls.