Yesterday we revealed that Apple was revamping the third-party accessory selection in its retail locations with new boxes designed by Apple itself. Apple has recently launched a new webpage that showcases the testing that all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch cases are required to go through before they are sold in an Apple Store.
Apple first notes that it analyzes the design of the case to ensure that all ports and buttons are still easily accessible and that the case design is strong enough for day-to-day use. Apple then tests to make sure the case does not interfere with the camera on the iPhone in any way.
Next, Apple says that acoustics are tested for each and every case to ensure that audio, including music, voice calls, and FaceTimes, is unaffected by the case. Apple also tests how the case affects the sensors of an iPhone, including sensors for ambient light, Touch ID, and more. Apple says that the sensors should work the same with the case on or off. Finally, Apple tests the cellular and wireless capabilities of the device with the case on. Also included in this testing is Apple Pay.
Apple has recently been leveraging stricter regulations on iPhone accessory makers. The company recently threatened to ban iPhone and iPad accessory makers that produce cases based on leaks. Apple also recently instituted a new requirement that all cases protect devices from 1m drops and meet new environmental standards.
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This is good for consumers who don’t know what to look for. I’ve seen people protect their phones in those $5 cases from tacky kiosks at the mall, and have seen those cases shatter upon first fall/impact. (It’s embarrassing how cheaply made some of these are.)
Displaying a phone case that has passed some basic testing from Apple should help differentiate the good third party accessories from the “cheaper ones”.
Tell me about it. I used to work at one of those kiosks doing repair. And now all my friends know that I can help them out.
It is almost without exception that a broken screen is due to a flimsy case. Some of them really afford no drop protection at all.
Color fastness is a critical test. As is the effect of adhesives used for notebook cases.
I learned, the hard way, to only buy Apple products in Apple stores. Having an issue with a Mophie case under warranty, I returned to the Apple store where it was purchased. The Apple employees directed me back to Mophie directly, they would not assist with a defective product I purchased in their store. I was told this is the case with all products not Apple. As I said, lesson learned.
They can’t get away with that in the UK as UK trading laws mean your contract is with the retailer. No such thing as “reselling” here however much they might like to make it so. They tried it on with me years ago with a Kensington mouse I bought from Apple but as soon as I dug my heels in they backpedalled and gave me a new one.