Why iPhones Are Water Resistant, Not Waterproof
By - Che Browndon
Written-on - March 21, 2026
Lots of iPhone users assume that their devices are waterproof because
Apple advertises their product as water resistant with very impressive IP ratings. You might not know what IP ratings are but that will be talked about in the article. However, “Water-resistant” and “Waterproof” do not have the same meaning and understanding this difference can just save your iPhone. IPhones are designed to withstand exposure to water but only under some conditions which will be examined. I also want to add that Apple’s Standard warranty does not cover water damage even if your iPhone has an IP rating. This article is going to explain what iPhone Water resistance means, how Apple rates different iPhone models, why iPhones are not really water proof, and why water damage isn’t covered under warranty.
Are iPhones Waterproof or Water Resistant?
iPhones are not Waterproof but Apple has labeled newer iPhones as water resistant meaning they can survive different types of water exposure for limited depths under specific durations and conditions. Waterproof means that the iPhone is completely protected from water and no iPhone models claims this. It’s usually water resistant. Apple sets IP (Ingress protection) ratings like IP67 and IP68 to indicate how well a device can block out dust and water in a test. These tests involve submerging a device in a clean water for a period of time to know how long it can last under water. This is why Apple keeps emphasizing on Water Resistance even though lots of iPhone users see it as Waterproof. These tests also don’t reflect real life for instance an IPhone dropping inside a pool or a moving water body. IPhones water resistance provides some level of protection but it doesn’t make iPhone devices immune to water damage.
iPhone Water Resistance Ratings by Model
Different iPhone models have different water resistance ratings although they aren’t fully waterproof. Apple introduced the IP67 Water Resistance starting with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which means those iphones were tested to survive being submerged in one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Later iPhone models moved up to IP68 which covers deeper waters up to two meters from models like iPhone X and iPhone 11. The more recent models of iPhones such as iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 go up to 6 meters in deeps waters for 30 minutes. These rating where based on a test to understand how the device performs on a stable and clean water for a certain period of time. Moving waters will have different effect but then again, who would drop their iPhone in a river. Differences in submodels such as Pro vs. Non-Pro versions show very slight differences because Apple tested its products across different generations.
Water Resistant Meaning in Real Life
IP tests where done on clean and stable water bodies with controlled conditions for a duration of time but the real world is different. Swimming pools, oceans hot tubs, rainstorms, and even beverages contain elements such as chemicals, pressure, heat and movement which might make water forcibly get into the iPhone. Even you also keep dropping it in water frequently, the seals or case designed to keep the water out can also weaken due to drops, pressure, and heat (the phone heating up) which will reduce the phones resistance compared to when it was new. Water resistance suggest water accidently fell on the phone or you dropped it somewhere accidentally but it still does not guarantee protection especially if it’s prolonged. The Ingress Protection (IP) test done by Apple estimated 30 minutes as time it will keep water out so if your iPhone is underwater for a long period or a moving water, it will be problematic.
Why iPhones Are not Waterproof
iPhones boast an impressive water resistant ratings but they are not waterproof and there are several reasons for this. The first reason is that iPhones still rely on seals, gaskets, and even a phone case to keep liquid out. These barriers were put for a reason and that is to protect your device from damage. Another reason it’s not waterproof is because constant usage can weaken the device, hence weakening its water resistance. An iPhone that’s been used for years will never be the same as a brand new iPhone and this is what this point suggests. As it keeps entering water, its water resistance properties will become weaker overtime and it might damage at one point in time. Finally, Apples IP (ingress protection) tests are conducted in a stable and clean water under specific conditions. Real life is a completely different scenario because even its impact on water can lead to a leakage even if it’s water resistant.
Why Apple Doesn’t Cover Water Damage
Another misconception some people make is assuming water damage is covered under warranty because of iPhones water resistance rating via ingress Protection and this is not the case. Apple’s one year warranty and even AppleCare+ do not cover liquid damage unless specific conditions are met. Apple uses Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) to determine if a device has been exposed to liquid. These are like small devices put in the iPhone that changes color if moisture is detected. If these indicators are triggered then Apple may refuse warranty coverage even if your iPhone has an IP rating. This just means liquid damage won’t protect you and the loss might not be covered under warranty.
What to do if your iPhone Gets Wet
If you iPhone gets wet, you should turn off the device and wipe it well with a soft dry cloth. You should also leave it to dry and avoid charging it when it’s still wet. This might cause severe problems be it internally (internal components) or externally. Don’t also use hair dryers on it because it can negatively affect its components. Let the phone dry very well on its own.
Closure
iPhones are designed to be water resistant, not water proof and their ratings only apply under specific controlled conditions which is very different from the real world. Just because Apple says something doesn’t mean you should test it out. You should be precautious because Apple devices can become old which weakens the Water Resistance properties. Apple doesn’t also cover water damage under its warranty.
Related
Why Apple Doesn’t Let You Easily Clear Cache on iPhone
One way iPhone differs from Android is that there’s no simple
“Clear Cache” button for......................
Written by - Che Browndon
How to Connect the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 to Any Device (Console, PC, Mobile)
This is the second Arctis Nova headset I will be talking about after Nova 1. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is an amazing
gaming headset built around......................
Written by - Che Browndon
How to Connect the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to Any Device (PS5, PC, and More)
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is a lightweight and wired gaming headset built around the
Universal......................
Written by - Che Browndon
What is DramaBox and How Does It Work
DramaBox is a streaming platform that was designed for short Asian drama content. The platform
gained a lot......................
Written by - Che Browndon
How Long Does It Take to Read Wuthering Heights
Many people interested in Wuthering Heights ask themselves how long it takes
to read the......................
Written by - Che Browndon
How Long Does It Take to Read Wuthering Heights
Many people interested in Wuthering Heights ask themselves how long it takes
to read the......................
Written by - Che Browndon
What is Wuthering Heights About?
First published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is a novel written by Emily
Bronte under the pen name Ellis Bell......................
Written by - Che Browndon
Why Marty Supreme Isn’t A24’s Best Despite Beings Its Highest Grossing Film
A24’s sports drama Marty Supreme (staring Timothee Chalamet) has recently made headlines by becoming the
studio’s highest grossing film.....................
Written by - Che Browndon
A House of Dynamite (2025): Where to Watch the Movie Online
A House of Drama is Kathryn Bigelow’s tense political thriller starring Idris Elba
as.....................
Written by - Che Browndon
Who Plays James Bond in 007 First Light? Cast & Voice Actor Explained
James Bond in 007 First Light is voiced or played by
Irish Actor.....................
Written by - Che Browndon
007 First Light Release Date, Platforms & Gameplay Details
007 First Light is an upcoming action adventure James Bond game developed
by IO Interactive. The game.....................
Written by - Che Browndon
Esports Nations Cup: Format, Teams, Prize & How to Watch
Esports Nations Cup is a new tournament announced by Esports World Cup Foundation
(EWCF), where.....................
Written by - Che Browndon
Ubisoft Brings 16 Games to Xbox App on PC, Including Assassins Creed Shadows
Ubisoft is a video game development company based in France and one of the largest in the world. Most
Video Game fans are aware of
...................
Written by - Che Browndon
Xbox Fans Disheartened By Game Console Price Increase. What You Should Know
Officially Launching on November 10, 2020, Microsoft Xbox Series X and Series S are two of the most recent console releases from tech giant Microsoft.
...................
Written by - Che Browndon
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is Coming to Fortnite. What You Need to Know
The Fortnite X Ford Mustang crossover is here and there’s so much excitement among
Fortnite fans. Fortnite usually has several crossovers throughout
...................
Written by - Che Browndon
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream Adds Sachi and Philia as New Playable Character
Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream is a popular cooperative RPG that brings together
characters from various arcs in
............
Copyright © 2025 ComicCone.com. All Rights Reserved