Apple, a global tech titan renowned for its innovative designs and advanced technology, continues to captivate consumers with its range of user-friendly products today. The iPhone, in particular, has revolutionised the smartphone industry, with over 231 million units sold in 2023 alone. As anticipation builds up for the next-generation iPhone, it’s expected to feature a significantly enhanced camera system and sleek design that could set new industry standards. 

Despite their allure, Apple products like iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches, are often prone to one of the most common mishaps—cracked screens from drops and falls. In this article, we will explore the common factors and offer tips on the safe handling of Apple devices to prevent screen damage.

Factors Causing Cracked Screens in Apple Devices

1. Dropping from a Height

The height from which your Apple device falls can determine the extent of cracked screens. A device dropped from a greater height gains more speed and exerts a harder impact upon landing, potentially causing more severe cracks or even shattering the screen. For instance, dropping your iPhone from ear level could shatter the screen completely, whereas a fall from waist height might only produce minor cracks.

2. Angle of Impact

Another critical factor is the angle at which your device hits the ground. If it lands flat on its back or front when dropping, there may be less damage as the impact is distributed more evenly. However, when an Apple device lands on a corner or at an awkward angle, it can experience a concentrated impact force and escalate to significant screen cracks. While the edges of Apple devices are designed to absorb some of the impact, the force can still transfer to the screen, causing it to crack.

3. Surface Material and Texture

The type of surface your Apple device falls onto is also the root cause of screen cracks in Apple devices. In contrast to softer surfaces such as carpet or grass, harder surfaces like concrete, tile, or asphalt are more unforgiving.

Imagine an iPhone dropping onto a concrete pavement. It is more likely to suffer extensive screen damage compared to one dropped onto a plush carpet. This is because the hard surface does not absorb impact, transferring the full force of the fall directly to the device.

4. Texture of the Surface

The extent of screen damage also depends on the texture of the landing surface. Rough surfaces, which fail to absorb the impact effectively, can exacerbate damage. When an Apple product drops on a rough surface, the uneven texture can lead to multiple points of impact to cause scratches, dents, and further damage.
Deep gouges and marks on the device’s body could compromise both its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Conversely, smooth surfaces might result in fewer superficial scratches. The device may slide upon landing, which helps spread the impact force over a larger area. However, the initial impact can still be severe enough to crack the screen, particularly if the device lands on its edge or corner.

5. Device Orientation During the Fall

The orientation of your device during a fall can influence the extent of screen damage too. When a device falls screen-down, the screen faces direct impact, increasing the likelihood of cracks. On the other hand, a screen-up fall may offer some protection to the screen but can still result in internal damage depending on the force of the fall and the nature of the surface.

Understanding the Screen Material and Design of Apple Devices 

• Screen Composition

To ensure screen durability in Apple products, high-quality materials such as the Ceramic Shield are used to engineer the latest iPhone models for greater resistance to damage. Nonetheless, this does not make the screen completely shatterproof. 

Therefore, it is essential to understand the composition of your device’s screen — glass layer, touchscreen digitiser, and display panel. This knowledge can also help you prevent screen cracks from drops and other impacts.

• Design Considerations

While the design of Apple devices, with their sleek and thin profiles, contributes to their aesthetic appeal, it makes them more vulnerable to damage. A slim profile typically means that there is less cushioning between the screen and the internal components, reducing the device’s ability to absorb impacts and increasing the risk of damage to both the screen and internal parts. Furthermore, the larger screens of iPads and the curved edges of iPhones provide more surface area and potential points of impact, making them more susceptible to cracks.

The Importance of User Awareness and Proper Handling

Be mindful of how you carry and use your Apple devices to prevent them from falling and encountering other damages. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

• Use both hands when handling your iPad.
• Ensure a secure grip on your iPhone while on calls.
• Be mindful of crowded areas where accidental bumps could lead to drops.
• Keep your device away from wet or slippery surfaces to reduce the risk of accidental drops.
• Avoid placing your devices on unstable surfaces or near edges.

Learn more: 5 Ways to Childproof Your iPad

Preventive Measures: How to Minimise the Risk

Beyond the tips shared above, it’s also important to implement preventive measures that will save you from costly repairs while keeping your Apple devices in top shape for years to come. 

• Use Protective Cases and Screen Protectors

Investing in high-quality protective cases and screen protectors can provide an additional layer of defence against drops and falls. Cases designed to absorb impact can prevent cracks, while screen protectors can guard against scratches and minor impacts.

• Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regularly inspecting your devices for signs of wear and tear helps you address potential issues before they escalate into major damage. For optimal protection for your Apple devices, always ensure that your case and screen protector are in top-notch condition. If you notice small cracks or chips in your iPhone’s screen protector during a routine check, replace it promptly to prevent further damage to the actual screen beneath.

• Professional Repair Services

DIY repairs may be a quick fix for a cracked screen, but improper handling can cause further damage and void warranties. The best recommendation is to seek professional phone screen repair services in Singapore. 

As your trusted mobile repair service brand, LYK Mobile takes pride in maintaining high standards for iPhone screen repair using genuine parts. If you’ve unfortunately dropped your phone and are dealing with a cracked or damaged screen, don’t worry. Whether you’re stuck at the office or need urgent repairs, our team will come to your location.

Contact us now to enjoy the benefit of our doorstep onsite repair service available islandwide, where we aim to complete repairs in just 25 minutes for iPhones and 1 hour for iPads.