Life & Technology – 2GB 20th June 2026

  Phone durability explained: IP ratings and the most common accidents
  
You might assume that water damage is the most common risk to a mobile phone, but the stats say otherwise. Research from Bupa shows the most common mobile phone insurance claims, and the list tells a story about today’s phone durability.

The most common damage claims are as follows:
Back glass damage
Display bleed / panel damage
Touch screen unresponsive
Front screen crack
Device no power
Device bent / structural damage
Camera damage
Charging / USB port failure
Water damage

Screen protectors often save the front glass, but few people consider protecting the rear glass that has become standard on many modern flagships. Repair costs for our devices have climbed sharply, with screen replacements and rear glass repairs costing hundreds.

While glass sandwich construction remains popular, protection against water damage has become a priority for brands. With phones reaching higher IP resistance ratings against water and dust ingress, they’ve gotten better at handling everyday spills and splashes. Read more here.

 

Guests and Topics on the Show

Why Removable Smartphone Batteries Were Set to Make a Comeback
  
We spoke with Alex Choros, Managing Editor at WhistleOut, about the European Union’s upcoming requirement for removable smartphone batteries from February 2027. 

He explained why the regulation was introduced, what it could mean for phone design and repairs, and whether Australian consumers were likely to see the benefits.

How Wi-Fi Router Generations Can Change Your Home Network
 
We spoke with Graeme Reardon, Managing Director ANZ at D-Link Australia, about the latest generations of Wi-Fi technology and what they meant for everyday users. He explained the differences between Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 and the emerging Wi-Fi 8 standard, and why choosing the right router wasn’t just about picking the newest number on the box.

Graeme also discussed how router generations have evolved over time and what that has meant for speed, coverage and reliability in the home. He looked at what consumers should consider before upgrading, especially as more devices compete for bandwidth in modern households.

We’ve also written an article on CyberShack breaking down the different Wi-Fi generations in more detail, including what to look for when choosing your next router.  

Read more about current routers and mesh systems from DLink
 

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