Is the iPhone waterproof? A powerful guide in 2024

iPhone waterproof

Starting the year, the thought of getting a long-last smartphone has been a major concern for the buyers, and many people wished to take their gadgets underwater. Apple has dealt with this through iPods and iPhones water resistance integration. But what does that narrow term—water-resistant—imply? Well, now I think it is about time to explain what iPhone waterproofing is, how it protects your gadget, and when you do and don’t need to worry if your iPhone gets wet.

What Does iPhone Waterproof Mean?

When we employ the ‘iPhone Waterproof’, this means that there is an important distinction to be made between products that are waterproof and those that are merely water resistant. In fact, as they say, no iPhone is waterproof. Apple designs iPhones with water resistance, meaning that they may be in touch with water to a certain degree, although not waterproof. There are also differences in the level of protection against water with respect to models, and the level of protection in the newer models is observed to be higher than in the earlier models.

Understanding IP Ratings: The Key to iPhone Waterproof Levels

An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is one of the ways in which waterproofing is rated for iPhones. The rating given below indicates how dusty-resistant and water-resistant a device is. The modern Apple iPhone models, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14, are rated IP68 on the dust and water protection scale. • IP6X: The first digit stands for the level of protection against a solid that can hinder free air. 6 means dust cannot come anywhere close to the iPhone. • There are two digits used to rate the water resistance of a device, and they are as follows: Proofreading Your iPhone

What Does iPhone Waterproof Mean?

It should therefore be realized that there isn’t an iPhone on the market that is considered waterproof. Indeed, iPhones are built with water resistance, which entails that Apple wants people to use their iPhones when they are still in contact with water, though these gadgets are not fully immune to water. It can still be weaker or stronger depending on particular models, and it grows weaker with new models.

Understanding IP Ratings: The Key to iPhone Waterproof Levels

The waterproof ability of an iPhone can to some extent be described using an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. These rating measures how resistant a particular device is to dust and water. The latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, are rated to be IP68. Here’s what this rating means:

  • IP6X: The first digit refers to dust, and 6 is the highest, meaning the iPhone has absolutely no ingress of dust.
  • IPX8: The second digit is the one used to specify the water resistance of the device.

With the help of the symbol 8, iPhone could be water resistant in up to 6 meters water for about 30minutes.

This is a high rating, but don’t be fooled by the IP68 rating as your iPhone Waterproof may be water resistant but it doesn’t make your iPhone Waterproof. But, there is one thing that Apple underlines it is not advised to do: using your device knowingly in water because water damaged devices is mostly not returned by the manufacturer.

How to Maintain One’s iPhone Waterproof Capabilities

Still, it is temporary; the water resistance in the long run may be compromised. If you want to maximize your iPhone’s waterproof ability, take some precautions:

Avoid Exposing Your iPhone to Chemicals:

Other substances, including chlorinated water from swimming pools, corrode most of the internal structures and also wear out the waterproof layer.

Keep your iPhone in a Case:

Carrying the waterproof case, especially when engaging in some activities that you consider vulnerable, makes them more secure.

Don’t Charge a Wet iPhone:

Any contact with this substance near the charging port is very detrimental for the device. Ensure that the iPhone is as dry as it could be from the water before attempting to charge it.

What the iPhone Waterproof Feature was in the Past

Apple’s iPhones have gradually been given water resistance, starting with the iPhone 7 with an IP67 rating, which means it is protected from water and can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Since then, the level of protection has improved. There are the iPhone XS, and later models include the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14, which have an IP68 rating, making them resistant to deeper water.

iPhone waterproof models and their IP ratings

As mentioned in each model of iOS, iPhones display the water resistance level under the IP rating. Here’s a quick overview:

  • iPhone 7 and 8: IP67, Devices that have this rating are models that cannot harbor dust on the surface of the device, and they are models that can withstand 1 meter of water kept on them for 30 minutes.
  • iPhone XS, XR, and 11: IP68—Protected against water with up to a pressure of 2 bars (or water in depth of 2 meters) for up to 30 mins.
  • iPhone 12, 13, and 14: IT’S an IP68—is perfectly capable of resisting water up to 6 meters for half an hour.

Nonetheless, it is important not to forget that no iPhone model is seriously waterproof, and there will always be a certain potential for a device being damaged by water.

Avoid placing it in rice because dust that has settled onto the phone can cause more harm to the iPhone’s board.

Common Myths About iPhone Waterproof

Myth 1: All iPhones Are Waterproof

Litotes: Not every iPhone is waterproof. Certain iPhone versions that do not have water-resistant features include the iPhone 6 and those that are below the iPhone 6.

Myth 2: If one has to recall the meaning of high IP rating, it means safe usage of the equipment underwater only.

But still, even having the IP68 rating doesn’t mean that iPhones are made for water activities such as diving or swimming.

Conclusion: Is the iPhone Really Water Resistant?

Of course, the iPhone has become much more waterproof, but none of the models can be considered fully waterproof. It has, however, been used in the new models with sort of waterproof or water-resistant gadgets, but these gadgets cannot qualify to be called waterproof fully. Apple has given advise on the level of, and the kind of, touch that one should never avoid splashing iPhone. 

FAQs

Is it safe to bring my iPhone to swimming if it has an immunization rating of IP68?

Before going further, let me clarify it here very frankly: being water resistant doesn’t mean it is made for swimming, as it has an IP68 rating. It is poorly affected by fungi, molds, bacteria, and most organic solvents, but it reacts very badly to water, salt, other chemicals, and heat.

Apple products got wet; what next?

For instance, warranty exclusion, especially in Apple’s warranty, always locks out water damage, not excepting the most recent iPhone models that are designed with built-in water resistance. A burn severity level of no contact with water should be strictly maintained.

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