In a remarkable incident of durability, an iPhone has survived after being sucked out of Alaska Airlines Flight 182 during a mid-flight explosive decompression event. The iPhone fell from an altitude of over 16,000 feet and was discovered by game developer Seanathan Bates, found in good condition with half its battery life and still in airplane mode. Bates, who posted about the find on social media, noted that the iPhone had a broken-off charger plug still inside, indicating it was charging at the time of the accident. Physicist Duncan Watts provided an explanation, suggesting that the phone would not fall at terminal velocity due to air resistance and its tumbling motion, which slows its descent. Remarkably, this is not the first time an iPhone has survived a high fall, with a similar event occurring in June 2023 involving a skydiver. The survival of the phones can be attributed to landing in softer grassy areas rather than on hard surfaces.

How can an iPhone survive a fall from such high altitudes without sustaining damage?

The survival of an iPhone after falling from a high altitude can be attributed to several factors including air resistance, the phone's tumbling motion during the fall, and a softer landing surface such as grass. These elements combined can significantly reduce the impact force on the phone, allowing it to remain intact.

As extra background information, iPhones are known for their robust build quality, which can withstand various forms of impact to a certain extent. Apple has invested significantly in the design and materials used in its smartphones, including the use of durable glass and aluminum frames, which contributes to their resilience. While they are not indestructible, iPhones continue to showcase impressive durability in extraordinary circumstances, much to the benefit and sometimes amazement of their users.