A mobile phone encased in a protective cover has survived a fall from over 30,600 meters above Sweden, establishing a new Guinness World Record for the highest drop of a phone in a protective case over natural terrain.
A collaborative project between phone case manufacturer RHINOSHIELD and aerospace company Sent Into Space has achieved a Guinness World Records title by dropping a mobile phone from the stratosphere. The device, protected by RHINOSHIELD's AirX case, was launched from a high-altitude balloon over the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden on June 24, reaching an altitude of 30,607 meters—more than three times higher than typical commercial aircraft and roughly three times the height of Mount Everest.
The AirX case, designed using a single recyclable material, employs technology inspired by automotive airbags and sports footwear cushioning systems to absorb impact. According to the company, the project originated when founder Eric Wang challenged the team to test the case's protective limits. Before the attempt, the team conducted extensive testing in sub-zero temperatures and varying atmospheric pressures to simulate stratospheric conditions. Guinness rules stipulated that no parachute could be used and the case had to make direct contact with the ground.
Following the drop, recovery proved challenging, with the search team requiring over five hours to locate the phone in the remote wilderness area. The difficult recovery process was complicated by unpredictable crosswinds, variable descent speeds, and uncertain landing conditions. Despite these obstacles, the phone was recovered undamaged. RHINOSHIELD stated the achievement aimed to demonstrate that environmentally sustainable, single-material products can deliver high durability levels without sacrificing performance or protection. Guinness World Records adjudicator Juliet Dawson presented the official record to both companies.
