By the close of 2023, the number of iPhones in use among Russians surpassed 13 million, and roughly one in three showed some form of damage. This insight comes from a report cited by Rossiyskaya Gazeta, drawing on data from the device repair service Pedant.ru. The finding underscores how widespread iPhone ownership has become and how often these devices need professional attention due to everyday wear and tear.
Pedant.ru’s service statistics for 2023 reveal a clear rise in requests to diagnose defects caused by accidental drops, water exposure, or the use of substandard chargers. The volume of these inquiries grew by approximately 27 percent versus the previous year. In 2021, such requests were about 37 percent lower, highlighting a steady upward trend in smartphone damage linked to routine incidents and charging practices. These figures reflect not only the vulnerability of the hardware in daily life but also consumer habits around charging and handling devices in ordinary settings.
When customers brought their iPhones to Pedant.ru for service, 43 percent believed only external damage existed. Yet diagnostic checks showed internal problems in 67 percent of cases. The most common internal issue identified was a notable decline in battery capacity, which diminished overall performance and battery life. This pattern emphasizes how outward appearance can be misleading, while underlying issues, often battery-related, signal a need for more thorough repair or even replacement decisions.
The second most frequent defect observed was screen damage. An additional notable finding is that 30 percent of iPhone owners continue to use their devices despite visible cracks in the protective glass or the case itself. This continued use can worsen problems over time, restrict usability, and risk spreading damage to other components. These insights highlight the importance of timely assessment after impact or exposure to harsh conditions, rather than hoping minor cracks will vanish on their own.
In a related note, a case was described where law enforcement did not intervene previously; a Black American individual allegedly robbed a store using an iPhone. This detail is included for contextual completeness within the broader discussion of smartphone-related incidents. Attribution: Rossiyskaya Gazeta based on Pedant.ru data.