Apple’s newly announced iPhone Air has already been put through a durability demonstration, with senior executives keen to prove that the company’s thinnest iPhone yet won’t suffer the same fate as earlier models that bent under pressure.
In an interview with Tom’s Guide following the iPhone 17 event, Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak handed over the 5.64mm iPhone Air and encouraged journalist Mark Spoonauer to attempt bending it. Spoonauer reported that the phone bowed slightly under maximum effort but did not break, instead flexing and returning to its original shape. TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff, also present, confirmed similar results.
Joswiak explained that this limited flexibility is intentional, while Apple hardware chief John Ternus emphasized the role of materials and design advances. The iPhone Air is constructed with a grade 5 titanium frame — now the only titanium iPhone in the lineup, as the iPhone 17 Pro models shift to aluminum. Apple says the Air’s frame exceeds its internal bend test requirements.
Durability has been a topic of public scrutiny since the so-called “bendgate” controversy of 2014, when the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were found to bend too easily in pockets. Apple has since strengthened its materials, including the introduction of Ceramic Shield glass and custom alloys, to prevent a repeat of that episode.
Ternus explained that several developments were necessary for Apple to achieve the iPhone Air’s slim and lightweight design, including Ceramic Shield on the back, Apple silicon efficiency, and a unique “plateau” structure that houses much of the phone’s internal hardware near the top. “All of these pieces had to come together,” he said.
In a separate interview, the pair also discussed the iPhone 17 Pro models, which move from titanium to a custom aluminum alloy. Ternus said aluminum offered “two undeniable wins”: 20 times better thermal conductivity, which improves heat dissipation, and lighter weight, which allows for larger batteries. The switch also enabled anodized finishes, including the new Cosmic Orange colorway. Joswiak quipped that Apple wanted to finally give Pro customers the kind of vibrant options usually reserved for standard models: “You want a fun color? How about Cosmic Orange, baby?”
The iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models will be available for pre-order on September 12, with official launch set for September 19.
