In a world where smartphones are practically extensions of our hands, one daring app has taken the mobile gaming scene by storm—and not for the usual reasons. Send Me to Heaven (S.M.T.H.), a controversial Android game developed by Carrot Pop, challenges players to throw their phones as high as possible, measuring the height with the device’s accelerometer. The catch? The game’s creator, Petr Svarovsky, openly admits he designed it with a mischievous goal: to destroy as many iPhones as possible.
A Game That Defies Logic
Released in 2013, S.M.T.H. is unlike any other mobile game. Forget tapping screens or tilting devices for virtual adventures—this app turns your expensive smartphone into a projectile. Players compete on global leaderboards, aiming to out-toss each other by launching their phones skyward, with some achieving heights as staggering as 40 meters (131 feet) using slingshots. But there’s a twist: the app demands minimal rotation for accurate readings, and “cheating” by dropping your phone from a building triggers an error message. It’s a game of skill, nerve, and, apparently, a willingness to risk your device’s life.
The app’s description on Google Play doesn’t shy away from the danger, boldly warning, “Throwing a smartphone high into the air may result in both damages to the smartphone, property, and/or personal injury.” Yet, despite the disclaimer, S.M.T.H. has garnered a cult following, with players sharing videos of their daring throws on its official Facebook page. Some even use creative methods like rubber bands or blankets to launch and catch their devices, pushing the boundaries of what a “game” can be.
A Creator with a Rebellious Streak
Petr Svarovsky, a Czech-born Norwegian artist and the mastermind behind Carrot Pop, didn’t create S.M.T.H. just for thrills. In a 2013 interview with WIRED, he revealed a provocative motive: to take a jab at consumerism. “The original idea was to have very expensive gadgets, which people in certain societies buy just to show off, and to get them to throw it,” Svarovsky said. His target? iPhone users, whom he hoped would shatter their pricey devices in pursuit of leaderboard glory.
Apple wasn’t amused. Citing policies against encouraging device damage, the tech giant banned S.M.T.H. from the App Store, leaving Svarovsky’s own battered iPhone—housing the app’s prototype—as the only iOS device running the game. He’s even tried to sell this damaged phone as a “collectible” item, adding to the app’s rebellious lore. Android users, however, have embraced the chaos, though not without consequences—reviews on Google Play include tales of broken Samsung Galaxy S4s and costly ceiling repairs.
A Viral Sensation with a Dark Edge
Since its debut, S.M.T.H. has sparked waves of notoriety, with resurgences in popularity noted in 2017 and as recently as 2024. Social media platforms like Reddit have buzzed with stories of players’ dedication, with some engineering slingshots to achieve record-breaking throws. One Reddit user jokingly proposed designing parachutes for phones, highlighting the app’s ability to inspire both creativity and chaos.
But the game’s viral appeal comes with a dark side. Titled “the last game your phone will ever play” by some, S.M.T.H. has left a trail of shattered screens and frustrated players. Its allure lies in its audacity—turning a device meant to be protected into a tool for reckless competition. Svarovsky himself sees it as more than a game, telling TIME, “I am very interested in what happens when you take games out of the computer, and it takes place in public space.”
Should You Try It?
For thrill-seekers unbothered by the prospect of a cracked screen, S.M.T.H. offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that redefines mobile gaming. But for most, the risk outweighs the reward. As one reviewer put it, “You’d need to be super rich to keep buying new phones every time you break one.” So, unless you’ve got a spare device or an unbreakable spirit, maybe stick to Candy Crush.
What do you think of S.M.T.H.? Would you risk your phone for a spot on the leaderboard, or is this app just a devious prank? Share your thoughts below, and maybe keep a backup phone handy—just in case.
