Waterproof models
Officially, all the latest iPhone models are waterproof, starting with the iPhone 7. Taking into account the latest presentation, there are already 5 smartphones in the line of protected devices - iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. All of them have a protection rating of IP 67 .
However, this does not mean that you can safely swim with your phone. iPhones have a really large safety margin, but if water does get inside the case, this will not be a warranty case. It is also important to understand what the security index says.
What to do if iPhone 7 falls into water?
If you dropped your iPhone 7 in water, then you should not put it in rice or dry it with a hairdryer, as was previously advised. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the phone and take out the SIM card;
- Thoroughly wipe the surface of the smartphone;
- Use cotton swabs to remove water from the connectors and holes;
- Leave the device to dry for 24 hours.
Usually this time is enough for drying. If the iPhone has been in water for some time or has mechanical damage to the case, we recommend contacting a service center. The technician will disassemble the device and thoroughly dry all its parts from the inside.
Moisture protection is no longer a new feature in modern smartphones. Even the latest released iPhone 7 has this option and therefore, the question immediately arises - “Is it possible to shoot underwater using an iPhone 7?”
Due to the fact that the device came out quite a long time ago, people managed to do a large number of different tests. Today we’ll look into all the details of this process and whether it’s worth doing at all.
How to determine the level of water resistance
Adding water resistance affects the cost of the device - experts say the price increases by 10-15%. Therefore, Apple refused additional protection for a long time. However, the need to increase resistance to the external environment is still ripe: competitors have been using the corresponding technologies for a long time.
The degree of water resistance and dust protection is calculated using the Ingress Protection rating. The requirements for devices are set out in international standards.
The most popular standard is IP67, which is what the latest smartphone models from Apple offer. IP is an abbreviation for the name of the rating. The first number (6) shows the degree of protection against solid particles. The maximum possible value is just 6, that is, iPhone 7 and higher are completely protected from dust getting inside the case.
The second digit determines the degree of protection against moisture. According to the IP standard, the number 7 means that during short-term immersion, water does not enter in volumes that disrupt the operation of the device.
Working in immersive mode is not implied - you should not shoot the underwater world on your iPhone, as if it were not a phone, but an action camera in a protective box. A short-term immersion to a depth of up to 1 m is possible - a fall into a sink, toilet or puddle is quite suitable.
Protected to standard
Manufacturers claim that the IP67 protection class allows the device not to be afraid of dust and moisture particles. According to the standard, the “seven” can be underwater at a depth of no more than a meter. This will cost her no consequences if the time does not exceed half an hour. The corresponding experiment conducted by the company did not inspire buyers, many decided on more extreme tests.
After the start of sales, netizens were able to make sure that this was not an advertising ploy that was being used to attract customers. The first test was conducted by a famous blogger. Without hesitation, he dipped his iPhone 7 first into 18-degree water, then into a glass of Fanta, and then into scalding coffee. Even after such “stress” he not only did not switch off, but also remained dry from the inside.
The experiments did not end there. Journalist Joanna Stern proved that both the time and depth of immersion can be much greater. This time the iPhone 7 stayed underwater for more than an hour in a pool 3 meters deep.
Real iPhone waterproofing
At the presentation of the iPhone 7, water resistance was announced, so immediately after the device went on sale, experiments began. According to the IP 67 standard, the smartphone can be immersed to a depth of no more than 1 m. The duration of the immersion should not exceed 30 minutes. But are these indicators? Users were also interested in the question of what kind of water the iPhone can be immersed in. The sea has salty water, and the pool has a high chlorine content. The conditions are different, does the defense really cope with everyone the same?
The results of the tests cannot be considered official, because they were carried out by ordinary users. However, some interesting points can be noted:
- After diving in the Dead Sea for a day, the battery in the smartphone ran out, but after being removed from the water and charging, it turned on and continued to work. How long the iPhone will live after such a dive is unknown. Perhaps over time it will be finished off by oxidation of the contacts.
- When diving to a depth of 1-2 meters, you can film underwater life on your iPhone. Interestingly, the Samsung Galaxy S7, which also claims to be protected from water, turns off. The iPhone screen continues to glow.
- The protection also copes with chlorinated water: tests have shown that you can swim in the pool with an iPhone. You can even shoot a video with it.
- iPhone X survived several minutes in a river at a depth of 6 meters. And it worked even after a couple of minutes in the washing machine.
Despite the positive results, you should not take risks with deliberately immersing your smartphone to great depths. Users have verified that water resistance is not a marketing ploy, but a working technology. Trust their experience.
Which iPhone is waterproof: 7, 8, X, XS, XR, 11
Is there a waterproof iPhone?...
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are the first Apple smartphones with declared waterproof properties. All subsequent iPhone models also had water protection to varying degrees.
Starting from the seventh generation, all iPhones except the tenth received the IP67 marking. iPhone XS received IP68 water resistance rating. Despite special protection, any iPhone from the seventh generation can still be damaged as a result of exposure to water.
Apple Care's worldwide manufacturer's warranty does not cover damage caused by water exposure. That is why, in any case, it is better to keep your iPhone away from water.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are not waterproof in the classic sense of the word, but the seventh generation iPhones were Apple's first waterproof smartphones. To answer which iPhone is waterproof, you need to understand the terms - there is a little confusion there.
A waterproof smartphone differs from a water-resistant one in that in the first case the device will not fail even with prolonged exposure to water. In the case of waterproof models, the situation is different - usually such devices can be submerged to a shallow depth and exposed only to short-term exposure to water.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were the first Apple smartphones to receive an IP67 water resistance rating, which means the device can withstand splashing water and can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The IP code, or International Moisture Protection Labeling, was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission and can be assigned to any device, from phones to watches, toys to power tools.
Subsequent iPhone models, including the 8, 8 Plus, X and XR, are rated IP67. In other words, the new Apple smartphones were no different from the seventh generation in terms of water resistance. Apple has only improved the water resistance of its devices since the tenth generation, with the iPhone XS and XS Max.
Are the iPhone XS and XS Max more water resistant than previous models?
Indeed, the iPhone XS and XS Max received the IP68 marking - this class of devices can easily withstand immersion to a depth of about 1.8 meters. But this does not mean that the smartphone will certainly withstand such an immersion. Of course, the owner should not worry about a little rain or a spilled glass of water, but swimming with an iPhone is not a good idea. Always remember that Apple's warranty does not cover damage caused by water.
Over time, the water resistance of the iPhone decreases - the fact is that the rubber plugs and gaskets that are used in various parts of the case (for example, they seal the space on the cable connector, as well as in the SIM slot, in the places where the buttons are adjacent to the device body) slowly deteriorate and over time they stop retaining water
When talking about the water resistance of an iPhone, the manufacturer means only clean fresh water. Separately, Apple states that the operation of their smartphones is not guaranteed after contact with specific liquids and environments. The latter includes any drinks - tea, coffee, Red Bull. Often technical liquids are spilled on a smartphone - gasoline, motor oil, anti-freeze.
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Exposure to salt water is detrimental to iPhones. Thus, it’s easy to say which iPhone is waterproof, but even this does not guarantee that the smartphone will not be damaged when in contact with a liquid environment
Apple doesn't have fully waterproof smartphones, but all iPhones since the seventh generation have been waterproof.
How many minutes can you immerse an iPhone in water?
For all generations of devices, the answer will be identical - no more than 30 minutes.
Can be immersed to a depth of up to 1 meter for thirty minutes:
- iPhone 7;
- iPhone 7+;
- iPhone 8;
- iPhone 8+;
- iPhone X
Can be immersed to a depth of up to 2 meters for thirty minutes:
- iPhone XS;
- iPhone XS Max;
- iPhone XR;
- iPhone 11.
Can be submerged to a depth of 4 meters for thirty minutes:
- iPhone 11 Pro;
- iPhone 11 Pro Max.
As we said above, the iPhones XS and XS Max are IP68 certified - this means that these devices can be immersed in water to a depth of 2 meters for thirty minutes. All other iPhones listed are IP67 waterproof certified.
Summary
All iPhones are sensitive to water, but starting with iPhone 7, all smartphones have received water-resistant properties.
- iPhone 7, 8, X and XR have an IP67 water resistance class - these smartphones can be submerged to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes;
- iPhone XS has an IP68 water resistance rating - these smartphones can be submerged to a depth of 2 meters for 30 minutes.
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iPhone 11 is more than waterproof than previous models. More on this later.
iPhone 11 water resistance
The latest generation of Apple smartphones is the iPhone 11 Pro. These devices have an additional level of water resistance and can be submerged to depths of up to 4 meters.
Compared to the 2020 iPhone (XS & XS Max models - editor's note), the iPhone 11 Pro is rated IP68 IEC 60529 . In other words, the iPhone 11 Pro is more protected from water than its predecessors.
Unlike the Apple Watch (we're talking about Series 2 and higher models), not a single iPhone is completely waterproof; swimming with these smartphones is not recommended
Apple designed iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max to be waterproof when submerged in water up to 4 meters for up to 30 minutes.
When answering which iPhone is waterproof, it is worth noting that only the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have the highest water resistance class among all Apple smartphones - these smartphones are marked IP68
For iPhone 11 and XS / XS Max, water resistance is slightly less - the maximum immersion depth is 2 meters for 30 minutes.
Is it true that the iPhone X is completely waterproof?
No it is not true. The original iPhone X has an IP67 protection rating according to IEC 60529 - this means that the specified smartphone can survive immersion to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Is there an iPhone that is completely waterproof?
Currently, such an iPhone does not exist - you can take a smartphone with you while swimming, surfing or participating in water sports only at your own peril and risk.
Is it true that the Apple Watch is waterproof?
Apple Watch (Series 2 and above) is waterproof, but can only be submerged in shallow water. The Apple Watch also has certain limitations when used in swimming training.
Apple Watch Series 5-3 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters according to a special standard (we are talking about ISO 22810: 2010 - editor's note). This marking means that the device can ONLY be used when swimming in shallow water.
Apple Watch Series 5/4/3 should not be used during deep sea diving.
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Are Apple or Samsung smartphones better waterproof?
Samsung phones have hydrophobic coatings - this technology is relatively new in terms of use in mobile devices. Samsung recently signed an agreement with ORNL to provide the said coating, which is capable of "actively repelling liquid." In other words, yes - Samsung smartphones are more water-resistant than iPhone devices, but they are not completely waterproof either.
Let's summarize: iPhone 11, XS or iPhone XR / X / 8 will not be damaged if it gets wet in the rain or falls into a glass of water. In any case, it’s better not to take risks and keep your iPhone away from liquid media.
If the iPhone has been exposed to water for a long time, you need to look at the damage indicator - it is located on the side panel of the device. If the indicator is red , the device is damaged; if it is silver or white, the smartphone is not damaged.
I want to take my iPhone to the beach or pool
If you want to take your smartphone to the beach or to the pool, we recommend that you first seal the device - a special case or bag is good for these purposes.
In a waterproof case, your iPhone will be reliably protected not only from exposure to water, but also from dust and sand. Before buying a waterproof iPhone case, you should carefully read reviews about the product.
Since Apple does not guarantee that its devices are completely waterproof, it is better to be sure that the case you purchase actually works.
My iPhone got wet, what should I do?
If your smartphone gets wet, you don’t need to turn it off, you should take a microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe the body of the device.
When using lint napkins, you need to be especially careful since such a napkin falls into pieces during use - its pieces should not get into the seams and open ports of the smartphone. After removing the moisture with a napkin, wait until the device body is completely dry.
You should pay attention to the water damage indicator - if it is not red, the device can be used as usual and charged.
Always remember that only some Apple smartphones are water resistant, but even they are not completely waterproof...
Water resistance of other models
During the presentation of the iPhone SE, Apple did not announce the presence of water resistance. However, user tests have shown that protection technologies began to be tested on the iPhone 6S. After 15 minutes of being in the water, the Home button, camera and other functions work on the devices. 21 minutes after diving, the iPhone SE turns off, but after being removed from the water it starts up quietly and works without problems.
However, if you try to submerge an iPhone 6 or 5S in water, it won't last even 5 minutes. To make it more protected from external influences, you will have to purchase additional accessories.
Reviews
Despite its colorful advertising, Apple does not recommend underwater testing. The fine print on the product instructions states that “damage due to contact with liquid is not covered by the warranty.” The water resistance of the iPhone 8 was not created for swimming with the gadget or photographing fish; the function of the technology is to protect the device from unintentional ingress of water. This fact stops users from trying to prove the capabilities of Apple technology.
Reviews about whether the iPhone 8 is waterproof or not are skeptical. Few people dare to drown an expensive gadget on their own, believing that complete resistance to liquids is an urban myth. There are known tests with running water from a tap; the smartphone can withstand such watering, but it is not recommended to further test the strength of the creation of Apple engineers.
How to make your iPhone waterproof
Before the release of the iPhone 7 with IP 67 protection, many proposals were made on how to make Apple smartphones waterproof. There was talk about a special coating, but protected cases became popular, rather than the mythical sprays that cover the body with a thin film.
If you don't want to spend money on a waterproof case, make your own. It will be difficult to make one as beautiful as in the store. But the main thing is not beauty, but efficiency. Therefore, protection options can be very interesting:
- Using a plastic ziplock bag. Its walls are so thin that you can even control the sensor.
- Plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Ideal for extreme water swimming. You won't be able to use your phone, but it will be protected from everything.
- A condom will also be a good protection against water. The open part can be tied with a knot to prevent the smartphone from falling out.
The best way to protect your phone is to use a waterproof case. The cost of such accessories varies from $10 to $150. The best models can be found somewhere in the middle of this range: for example, for $72 you can buy the LifeProof fre iPhone 6 Case, which protects from shock, moisture and does not look bulky.
When choosing a case, pay attention to:
- Manufacturer - choose between LifeProof, Joy Factory, Catalyst, Lunatik and Griffin.
- Compatible with smartphone model.
- Safety standard. Some covers protect against any mechanical impact, others only cope with splashes of water.
Design is also important, but the choice here is not so rich. The main purpose of a waterproof case is to protect your phone. If it is also beautiful, then you will have to pay extra for it.
Published by Moftech
