Apple MacBook Air reportedly stops artillery shell fragment for Ukrainian soldier, with damaged display still partially functional

A military personnel member who goes by @lanevychs on X has shared how an Apple device withstood the impact of a shell fragment. The soldier, whose X profile shows he is attached to the AZOV brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, claimed an M1 Macbook Air stopped an artillery fragment.

As seen in the photos attached to the post, the MacBook has a noticeable hole on its back where the fragment penetrated. The poster has not revealed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Apple claims it uses 100 percent recycled aluminium for the device’s outer shell, including the top and bottom cases and the structural frame. The advantages of aluminium alloys over plastic materials include improved structural integrity even in thin designs, which lanevychs must be grateful for.

The MacBook’s screen did not escape unscathed, as shown in one of the photos. However, the display worked partially, and the video shows lanevychs scrolling through his posts on X.

Apple has never marketed any of its products as capable of stopping ammunition, but there are reports of the MacBook shielding users. For example, Steve Frappier, a survivor of the 2017 Fort Lauderdale shooting, credited his university-issued MacBook Pro with stopping a bullet and saving his life.

Our review of the Apple M1 MacBook Air 2020 noted its robust and high-quality unibody case.