Man drops an iPhone 17 Pro and an iPhone Air down a 200ft spiral staircase to see if either survives
Published on Nov 29, 2025 at 12:29 AM (UTC-5)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 29, 2025 at 12:29 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A man dropped an iPhone 17 Pro and an iPhone Air down a 200-foot spiral staircase to see if either could survive the ordeal – and the results are a wild look at how far modern phones can be pushed.
A YouTuber took both devices straight out of the box and carried them to the top of an open staircase that twists several floors down.
A GoPro was placed at the bottom to catch the moment of impact as each phone spun through the air.
The results were far more dramatic than anyone expected.
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The iPhone 17 Pro took a beating
When Apple puts out new tech, there seems to be an inherent need by consumers to check how resilient it really is.
This YouTuber took it to the next level by dropping an iPhone 17 Pro and an iPhone Air down a 200-foot spiral staircase to see if either survived.
The iPhone 17 Pro took the most brutal fall of the day.
After slipping from the railing and hitting multiple steps, the phone was later found almost at the very bottom with its display completely missing from the frame.
The screen had separated cleanly and landed a full floor lower, leaving the device looking like it had exploded mid-flight.
The back panel was peeled apart, and sections of the phone were lifted after a heavy impact.
Despite its premium build and alleged improved structural rigidity over previous generations of iPhone, the 17 Pro did not survive the staircase.
By the time it was recovered, it wasn’t even a usable phone.
iPhone Air survives better
The iPhone Air, the ultrathin 5.6-mm model, ended up outperforming the more expensive flagship.
After its own fall, the Air was found in one piece with the screen still flawless and free of cracks.
The back glass was shattered across one side, but the camera stayed intact, and the frame remained surprisingly straight for a device that thin.
While the fall still caused some serious damage, the Air’s ability to keep a working screen made it the unexpected winner of the challenge.
Compared to the 17 Pro’s complete failure, the Air came away looking noticeably more resilient in this extreme test – some might say it’s lighter than air.
Both devices were destroyed beyond practical repair, but this highlights how dramatically different two modern phones can respond to the same fall.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
