Waterproof iPhones do exist. However, not all models have such protection. Often, for many smartphones, falling into water can be critical. As a result, you have to spend a lot of time and money on repairing the device.
The first steps to fix the problem are described in the article: “How to dry your phone after water at home.” If drying does not help, then you should proceed with diagnostics and repair.
Thus, you will need spare parts for iPhones . It is better to choose a reliable supplier. You can purchase them at the Art-GSM store. The store's catalog presents a wide range of components and spare parts for smartphones of a well-known brand.
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 your phone falls into water
If the iPhone X does not survive contact with water, liquid or drinks and stops turning on, you should immediately proceed to the emergency response procedure. It is recommended to dry your smartphone immediately (we are talking about paper napkins or a towel, not a hairdryer!), and then leave it alone for 3-4 hours . Next, you should hold down the power button located on the right side of the case until the Apple logo or at least a special notification appears on the screen, reminding you to recharge the battery. If notifications appear, you should count on the iPhone X coming back to life soon. Otherwise, you will have to wait a couple more hours, and then try again.
Attention! to connect your iPhone to charging immediately after contact with water - this increases the chances of ruining the motherboard, microcircuits and camera modules several times.
Additionally, it is worth remembering about the use of cleaning agents and compressed air - both cleaning “components” can disrupt the functionality of the iPhone even more than salt water.
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.
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.
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:
Can be immersed to a depth of up to 2 meters for thirty minutes:
Can be submerged to a depth of 4 meters for thirty minutes:
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 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 iPhone 2022 (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.
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.
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.
What are the weak points of moisture protection?
Now let's see what exactly is moisture protection in modern Apple smartphones.
Let's look at all the holes in the case through which liquid can get into the iPhone.
1. SIM card tray. Good fit of the parts and the presence of an additional seal allow the new smartphone to easily withstand contact with liquid in the area of the opening tray.
However, over time, the rubber seal loses elasticity and sometimes even stretches. In this case, each removal and installation of the SIM card turns into a painful procedure.
iPhones on the secondary market can be sold without this rubber seal at all.
2. SIM card tray pusher. This miniature element is also equipped with a protective gasket, which is pressed inside the housing under pressure and is restored after the tray is removed.
As a result, replacing the SIM card too often will lead to rapid wear of the seal both on the tray and in the pusher mechanism.
3. Physical buttons on the body (volume control keys, power keys and switching silent mode). There is also a rubber seal here, which contracts and expands when the buttons are pressed.
The keys are pressed much more often than the SIM card tray is removed, which means the gasket can begin to leak moisture faster.
4. Lightning connector. The hole from the inside is hermetically protected from the rest of the smartphone. In addition, there is software protection that can detect shorted contacts and disable potentially dangerous charging.
The user will receive a warning, after which they will have to dry the smartphone or ignore the warning and turn on charging immediately. If the iPhone is completely discharged after exposure to moisture, the software protection will not work and there is a risk of shorting the contacts when charging.
Even with this level of protection, ingress of salty seawater can lead to oxidation of the contacts with further problems.
5. Protective layer between the screen and the body. The composite design of the smartphone involves the assembly of two main modules: a frame with a back cover and a front panel with a screen. An elastic rubberized seal is installed between these elements.
This is a rather weak point in the entire moisture protection system. The gasket is disposable and if the case is opened, it must be replaced with a similar one. In addition, the thin layer wears out over time, from temperature, squeezing and twisting of the case, from impacts and falls, from particles of moisture and dust that have fallen on it.
Depending on operating conditions, this gasket retains its properties from 6 months to a year. You definitely shouldn’t hope that the iPhone won’t let moisture in after a year of use.
6. Holes for speakers and microphone on the bottom. Initially, there is a porous seal between the body and the filling. In addition, the holes themselves are covered with a very fine mesh, through which practically no liquid penetrates.
Even if moisture seeps inside, it will settle on the speaker membrane and will not damage the rest of the filling. The exception, as in other cases, is salt water. It can lead to oxidation of contacts and damage to the membrane.
In addition, the external elements at the bottom of the smartphone are protected by plastic partitions, and critical parts are filled with epoxy resin. Even if the speakers, microphone, or Lightning port leak a small amount of liquid, it won't have too much of a negative impact on the rest of the device.
7. Speaker on the front panel. Here the situation is complicated by the too dense arrangement of elements that are hidden under the “bangs” of the device. Several important sensors and a smartphone camera are located in a small area.
All this is protected only by a fine mesh covering the speaker. Liquid ingress, especially under pressure, can damage nearby device modules.
A breakdown of the Face ID sensor system will be especially critical. An inoperative face scanner significantly reduces the value of a smartphone on the secondary market or results in very expensive repairs.
The sensor itself cannot be replaced, because it is hardware linked to the motherboard. This is necessary to ensure data protection on the device. As a result, you will have to work with a gadget without Face ID or invest in replacing the sensor and motherboard, which will make up most of the cost of the gadget.
Many service centers confirm that it is the Face ID sensor that most often fails as a result of moisture . This happens either when moisture under low pressure enters through the speaker mesh, or through a worn-out gasket around the perimeter of the case.
Otherwise, a new gadget that has no worn elements and has not been opened for repairs is well protected from moisture for up to one year.
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.
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
