The new iPhone 17 Pro Max has a water resistance issue.

[SNWGN]

Hello! Today I just received a new, unactivated, unopened iPhone 17 Pro Max with 0 charge cycles and a SIM + eSIM card. While inspecting the phone and checking the build quality, I noticed that when I pressed on the back of the iPhone, I could hear air coming out of the top speaker. I then decided to test the water resistance by removing the SIM card tray, pressing it firmly to my lips, and blowing into it. I heard air coming out of the top speaker. Then I tried the opposite, sucking air in through the SIM tray, and it also came out, but with significant difficulty. I decided to test the air leakage on my iPhone 16 Pro, and there is no such issue when I inhale or exhale through the SIM tray. There is no leakage; it is completely sealed. I ask you to check if you have this issue with your iPhone 17 Pro/Max; it may be a feature due to the new large top speaker

 

[ElPaso]

I would return it right away - there's a 14 day return policy. 🙂

 

[goldmac2006]

Hello! Today I just received a new, unactivated, unopened iPhone 17 Pro Max with 0 charge cycles and a SIM + eSIM card. While inspecting the phone and checking the build quality, I noticed that when I pressed on the back of the iPhone, I could hear air coming out of the top speaker. I then decided to test the water resistance by removing the SIM card tray, pressing it firmly to my lips, and blowing into it. I heard air coming out of the top speaker. Then I tried the opposite, sucking air in through the SIM tray, and it also came out, but with significant difficulty. I decided to test the air leakage on my iPhone 16 Pro, and there is no such issue when I inhale or exhale through the SIM tray. There is no leakage; it is completely sealed. I ask you to check if you have this issue with your iPhone 17 Pro/Max; it may be a feature due to the new large top speaker

No way. 🙅 if you are too entirely worried about it go get it swapped out and exchanged thru the return policy.

 

[JPack]

...

Why?

This is standard procedure for professional repair shops to test air tightness via the SIM slot after opening the iPhone. This ensures water resistance. Obviously, technicians don't normally use their mouth and use dedicated machines, but OP did a good job unless he wants to spend $400 on equipment.

2023 New TBK 207 Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester 3 in

2023 New TBK 207 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof and Dustproof Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester for LCD Screen of mobile phone NewIntelligent Phone Tester 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof And Dustproof Automatic Testing Tool. It is applicable to allbrands of phones. Specificaiton...

www.tbkmachine.com

 

[goldmac2006]

Why?

This is standard procedure for professional repair shops to test air tightness via the SIM slot after opening the iPhone. This ensures water resistance. Obviously, technicians don't normally use their mouth and use dedicated machines, but OP did a good job unless he wants to spend $400 on equipment.

View attachment 2635257

View attachment 2635258

2023 New TBK 207 Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester 3 in

2023 New TBK 207 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof and Dustproof Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester for LCD Screen of mobile phone NewIntelligent Phone Tester 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof And Dustproof Automatic Testing Tool. It is applicable to allbrands of phones. Specificaiton...

www.tbkmachine.com

Hey there! The first picture is the water resistance machine that DirectorFeng, an iPhone and Apple technician, uses! He frequently uses it when inspecting iPhones for any damage. You should check out his YouTube channel; he has videos showcasing various models from all Apple product families.

 

[SNWGN]

Why?

This is standard procedure for professional repair shops to test air tightness via the SIM slot after opening the iPhone. This ensures water resistance. Obviously, technicians don't normally use their mouth and use dedicated machines, but OP did a good job unless he wants to spend $400 on equipment.

View attachment 2635257

View attachment 2635258

2023 New TBK 207 Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester 3 in

2023 New TBK 207 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof and Dustproof Air Tightness Detector Intelligent Phone Tester for LCD Screen of mobile phone NewIntelligent Phone Tester 3 in 1 Air Tightness Waterproof And Dustproof Automatic Testing Tool. It is applicable to allbrands of phones. Specificaiton...

www.tbkmachine.com

Thank you for support!

I don't understand why others are laughing at me. This is a standard and very old method of checking. I got rid of this faulty phone.

 

[hushblade]

While inspecting the phone and checking the build quality, I noticed that when I pressed on the back of the iPhone, I could hear air coming out of the top speaker. I then decided to test the water resistance by removing the SIM card tray, pressing it firmly to my lips, and blowing into it. I heard air coming out of the top speaker. Then I tried the opposite, sucking air in through the SIM tray, and it also came out, but with significant difficulty.

A device doesn’t need to be airtight to be water resistant. I can tell you, I have seen dust and debris inside phones without liquid having gotten in. You can still have a fully-rated IP68 water resistance regardless of whether air is blowing in and out.