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| An Apple M1 MacBook Air reportedly stops a shell fragment |
In the chaos of modern warfare, survival often hinges on the most unexpected factors. For one Ukrainian soldier, that critical factor appears to have been his Apple MacBook Air.
A serviceman with the National Guard of Ukraine's AZOV brigade, using the X (formerly Twitter) handle @lanevychs, has shared a remarkable story of durability. According to his social media post, his Apple M1 MacBook Air physically stopped a fragment from an artillery shell, potentially preventing serious injury.
The photographic evidence is striking. Images show the sleek silver laptop with a clean, punctured hole in its aluminum unibody case—the unmistakable entry point of a high-velocity piece of shrapnel. The force of the impact is evident, yet the laptop's fundamental structure held.
While @lanevychs did not detail the exact circumstances of the incident, the implication is clear: the device was near him when the attack occurred and absorbed the impact.
Embedded Post from the Source:
For the original photos and video from the soldier, see his post on X:
https://x.com/lanevychs/status/2006686167065108961
The damage wasn't limited to the casing. A second photo reveals the laptop's display is heavily cracked and damaged from the internal shock. Yet, in a testament to the machine's resilience, a video shows the screen is still partially functional, with @lanevychs able to scroll through his X feed on the shattered display.
This real-world incident puts a stark spotlight on the materials Apple chooses. The company touts the use of 100% recycled aluminum for the MacBook Air's enclosure. While chosen for environmental sustainability, this alloy also offers significant strength and structural integrity, even in the device's famously thin profile. It’s a engineering benefit the Ukrainian soldier is undoubtedly grateful for today.
While Apple has never (and likely will never) market its laptops as ballistic shields, this is not the first report of a MacBook protecting its owner from lethal force.
One of the most famous cases comes from the tragic 2017 Fort Lauderdale airport shooting. Survivor Steve Frappier credited his university-issued MacBook Pro with stopping a bullet, a claim supported by investigators. The laptop, which was in his backpack, absorbed the round and likely saved his life. As reported by Express UK, the bullet was found lodged within the device.
These stories are extraordinary anomalies, not design specifications. No consumer electronics are tested for ballistics resistance. Yet, in two very different and terrifying scenarios—an active shooter incident and an artillery barrage—the robust construction of Apple's laptops played an incidental, life-saving role.
For @lanevychs, his MacBook Air is now a battle-damaged testament to a close call. It’s a powerful, if unintended, advertisement for the device's build quality, proving that sometimes, the most valuable features are the ones you hope you never have to use.
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| Source: lanevychs on X |
Який рівень балістичного захисту у MacBook Air на M1?
— Лаꑭевич (@lanevychs) January 1, 2026
Бо цей витримав уламок від стволки 🫣 pic.twitter.com/IWofyq1H9w