No. Your iPhone SE and 11 models (11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max), your iPhone X Series XS/XS Max/XR/X) and iPhone 8/8 Plus are not waterproof.
The newest 2020 iPhone SE is officially more water resistant than the first generation iPhone SE. In tests, Apple rated the SE as IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529.
And the 2019 iPhone 11 Pro models do include additional water resistancy up to 4 meters with the IP68 IEC standard 60529 compared to the 2018 model iPhones (XS & XS Max) which have a water resistancy up to 2 meters.
Unlike the Apple Watch (for Series 2 and higher models,) iPhone models are not waterproof, and you cannot swim or do other water sports with one.
iPhones are however water resistant (to a degree).
Related reading
- How Waterproof Is the Apple Watch?
- Dropped your iPhone in water? Here’s what you need to do!
- Use Silica Gel Packets to Dry Your Wet iPhone, iPad, or AirPods
- Are the new AirPods Pro waterproof?
Contents
- What’s the difference between Waterproof or Water Resistant on the iPhone?
- Is There an iPhone That is Waterproof?
- AppleCare+ doesn’t cover liquid damage!!
- Want To Take Your iPhone To The Beach or Pool?
- Can my iPhone get wet?
- How Is The Apple Watch Waterproof?
- How Does Apple’s Water Resistance Compare to Samsung?
What’s the difference between Waterproof or Water Resistant on the iPhone?
With an IP rating of IP68, Apple designed the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max to be waterproof in situations where it’s submerged no deeper than 4 meters or about 12 feet in water for 30 minutes or less.
For the iPhone 11, and the XS/XS Max models, that water resistancy is halved a maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes.
The iPhone SE (second generation), iPhone 7 and 8, iPhone XR and the original iPhone X are rated IP67 under IEC standard 60529 with a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Examining the tech specs for these iPhone models, you find a small footnote that calls out the details of this.
As per Apple’s disclaimer via the footnote on the new iPhone 11 Technical Specifications page:
iPhone 8, iPhone SE, iPhone XS/XR, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone 11 are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions
Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.
Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
Apple lists similar disclaimers for the iPhone XS, XR, original X, and the iPhone 8 models.
Is There an iPhone That is Waterproof?
Currently, there is not an iPhone model that is waterproof to the point that you can take the phone with you when swimming, surfing, or taking part in other types of water activities.
The Apple Watch (Series 2 and above) is the only iDevice that is waterproof and water resistant for all types of water-based fun!
iPhones are water-resistant NOT waterproof (like the Apple Watch.)
So How Is My iPhone 11, SE, 7/8, or X Series Water-Resistant?
This means that your iPhone 11, SE, or iPhone XS/XR/X/8 will not get damaged if it is exposed to a little rain splash while you are on the run.
Likewise, if you accidentally dropped it in the toilet or splashed some beer on it, you should be ok. Your iPhone is likely not permanently damaged.
AppleCare+ doesn’t cover liquid damage!!
Even with the IP rating, Apple DOES NOT guarantee that your iPhone survives if submerged in water or similar liquid.
Let’s repeat that! Apple does not cover Liquid damage in your Phone’s warranty.
Apple clearly states that service for the liquid damage isn’t covered by the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty or the extended Apple Care warranty program.
So don’t take chances–keep your iPhone safely away from water and other liquids.
Look at the Water Damage Indicator
You (and Apple Staff) can tell if your iPhone has water or liquid damage by checking the liquid contact indicator or LCI on the side of your iPhone. It’s usually just inside the SIM slot.
If your iPhone has been in contact with a liquid, the LCI turns red. If it’s white or silver, good news! Your phone does not have water damage!
There’s No Fooling Apple!
If you bring in your water damaged iPhone, and an Apple Tech see that your LCI is red, they won’t repair it or replace it under your active warranty.
Want To Take Your iPhone To The Beach or Pool?
If you want to take your iPhone to the pool or beach, we recommend sealing it up in a waterproof (and sandproof) case or pouch.
Before you purchase any case, check out user reviews to make sure the product worked as expected. Since Apple won’t guarantee the iPhone water resistance via its AppleCare+ Warranty, it’s best to be sure that the product you purchase works!
Can my iPhone get wet?
Yes, your iPhone can handle some water or liquid–just not a lot and certainly NOT for extended periods of time.
So if you get caught in a rainstorm, drop your iPhone accidentally in a puddle or pool of water, or even in the sink or toilet, it should be okay.
What To Do When My iPhone Gets Wet?
If your new iPhone does get wet, don’t turn it off. Instead, grab a cloth (or whatever is absorbent) and wipe it clean and dry. Microfiber cloths work best since they literally grab water out.
If you use something like Kleenex or a wipe that tends to fall break apart, use extra caution. You don’t want pieces of the material to get trapped in the seams or the open ports, like your Lightning port or headphone jack (if ya have one!)
Then wait until it dries up before you put your device on the wireless charger or turn it off or on. Allow it to dry completely.
Don’t fall for the bag of rice trick–it doesn’t work and may even damage your phone.
Remember Apple iPhones are Water-Resistant but not Waterproof!!
How Is The Apple Watch Waterproof?
Even the Apple Watch has certain limitations when using it for a swim workout.
Apple Watch Series 5-3 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.
That rating means that you should ONLY use your Apple Watch for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.
However, Apple Watch Series 5/4/3 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
What does the IP68 and IP67 Rating mean on the iPhone?
In IP68 or 67, the digit 6 stands for dust resistance and the 8 or 7 or the last digit is relevant for water resistance properties.
According to the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
A rating of 8 means the device is protected from immersion in water with a depth of more than 1 meter with the manufacturer specifying the exact depth–in this case a maximum depth of 2 meters for up to 30 minutes.
And a 7 rating ensures that the device is protected from immersion in water with a depth of up to 1 meter (or 3.3 feet) for up to 30 mins.
How Does Apple’s Water Resistance Compare to Samsung?
Samsung phones feature hydrophobic coatings. This technology is a new feature with the Samsung phones since Samsung signed up an agreement with ORNL to provide this special coating that can “actively repeal liquid.”
This special coating makes Samsung phones a little more water-resistant than iPhones but not entirely Waterproof.
Jasper Laguitao says
Okay people, NO iPhone model including the iPhone X are waterproof!
Period.
I bought my boyfriend an iPhone X and he wasted it when he brought it to the ocean…and of course, it’s not working. No surprise there.
Inhisiamgeiam says
If it’s water proof it wouldn’t matter the amount of time it’s in the water. Water resistant it can on be in the water for 30min at certain depths of water
Deborah Rouse says
Water-resistant just means it’s not as easily susceptible to water damage but it’s not waterproof meaning it can still sustain some damage if it’s exposed to too much water or for too long.
Adam says
I still don’t get it. Whats the difference between water resistant and water proof? Even if it is waterproof, does it still work?