Are iPhones Waterproof?

iPhones have become an indispensable part of many people's lives. Walk down a busy street, and you'll see hundreds. Photos, filming, finding your way, communicating with friends, and listening to your favorite songs, an iPhone is a precious commodity we do our utmost to protect at all costs. 

While no iPhone model is fully waterproof, recent releases have significantly improved their water resistance, meaning various water-related incidents are not quite the death sentence they once were. However, which iPhone can tolerate which conditions can be confusing, so let's clear up a few points.  

Are iPhones Waterproof or Water-resistant?

iPhones are not waterproof, though many models feature water resistance. Avoid water exposure and know what to do if your iPhone gets wet to prevent damage. Newer models can withstand some immersion, indicated by their IP ratings.

Waterproof and water-resistant are not the same thing. A camera used for underwater photography is waterproof because it can be completely submerged in water for extended periods without any water getting inside and causing damage. In this aspect, very few smartphones on the market are genuinely waterproof. 

On the other hand, water resistance refers to something that can get wet or enter a body of water for a very short period without causing irreversible damage. However, the length and depth differ for most electronic devices.

Apple has designed recent iPhone models for water resistance, with newer models capable of withstanding exposure significantly more than just a decade ago. The industry standard for measuring waterproof/water-resistant capabilities is the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, which indicate the degree of resistance a device offers against the entry of solid and liquid particles. While early iPhones had practically no hope of a high IP rating, newer models are now scoring highly. 

Which iPhones Are Waterproof?

The bad news is that no current iPhone is completely waterproof. However, several models are rated for significant water resistance:

• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: IP67 rating — Can survive up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X: IP67 rating — Can survive up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max: IP67 rating for XR, IP68 for XS and XS Max — Can survive up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone 11: IP68 rating — Can survive up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max: IP68 rating — Can survive up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone 12 series: IP68 rating — Can survive up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
• iPhone 13 series and later: IP68 rating — Can survive up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.

What to Do If Your iPhone Gets Wet

Remove Wires

Firstly, disconnect any wires, battery chargers, etc, connected to the device to prevent short circuits and further damage. 

Tap Water Out

Remove as much liquid as possible by gently tapping your iPhone against your hand with the connector and charging pots facing downward. 

Wrap In a Towel

Next, wrap a towel around the iPhone to help absorb external moisture while keeping the charging ports facing downward. Don't wrap the towel too tightly, as you could end up pushing liquid back into the phone's openings. 

If you have a glass screen protector, you may need to remove it at this stage. 

Place In Front of a Fan

Place your iPhone in front of a fan with the ports facing the airflow to help evaporate any remaining moisture inside. Be patient; drying out all the internal components may take some time.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can an iPhone Survive in Water?

Depending on the model, iPhones can survive underwater from 30 minutes up to an hour at depths specified by their IP ratings. Any longer may cause irreversible damage to your device and could need replacing. 

Can iPhones Take Pictures Underwater?

While iPhones can take pictures underwater within the limits of their IP ratings, doing so frequently can increase the risk of damage, and it is not recommended. Consider purchasing an underwater camera instead for underwater photography. 

Final Thoughts

iPhones have come a long way in recent years, and few areas have seen such massive improvements as water resistance. While we're not quite at the stage of having completely waterproof models that you can freely use underwater, the fact that some iPhones can be underwater for up to 30 minutes and survive is remarkable. 

However, it's still best to take some precautions. Using a protective case for added security against water damage is a no-brainer, and it can be the difference between bringing your phone back to life after it goes into the pool and having to start the painful process of replacing everything.