How does the water resistance work on an iPhone or Apple Watch?

The iPhone and Apple Watch have a decent but limited water resistance.

Water resistance in iPhones is achieved through a combination of design and engineering elements. Here are some common features and practices implemented to make iPhones water-resistant:

Sealed Enclosure:
- The phone’s internal components are housed in a sealed enclosure to prevent water from entering critical areas.
Adhesive Gaskets:
- Various openings such as the SIM card tray, charging port, and buttons have adhesive gaskets or seals to prevent water from seeping into the device.
Waterproofing Materials:
- The internal components and connectors are often coated with waterproof materials to protect them from water damage.
Waterproof Ratings:
- iPhones are tested and rated based on the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. For example, an IP67 rating means the device is dust-tight and can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. IP68 rating allows for deeper submersion for a specified time.
Liquid Contact Indicators:
- iPhones usually come equipped with liquid contact indicators that change color when they come into contact with water. Apple technicians can use these indicators to determine whether a device has been exposed to water.

It’s important to note that water resistance is not a guarantee that the device will remain unaffected in all situations. Apple typically advises against intentionally submerging the device in water and provides guidelines on how to handle water exposure. Additionally, wear and tear, as well as accidental damage, can impact the water resistance over time.

Always refer to the specific user manual or documentation provided by Apple for the water resistance specifications and guidelines for your specific iPhone model, as features can vary between different models and updates.

What is the difference between water resistance and water proof?

The terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the context of electronic devices and other products.

Water-Resistant:
- A water-resistant device can withstand exposure to water to a certain extent, but it is not completely impervious to water. There are different levels of water resistance, typically measured using the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. For example, a device with an IP67 rating can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for a limited time. Water-resistant devices are not designed for prolonged or deep submersion, and exceeding the specified limits can result in water damage.
Waterproof:
- The term “waterproof” suggests a higher level of protection against water ingress compared to water resistance. A truly waterproof device should be impervious to water under normal usage conditions, providing a higher degree of protection. However, in practice, achieving complete waterproofing is challenging, and most manufacturers use the term “water-resistant” to indicate the device’s capabilities rather than claiming it is entirely waterproof.

In summary, while water-resistant devices can withstand some exposure to water, waterproof devices should theoretically be able to resist water under more extreme conditions. It’s important to note that the use of these terms is often regulated by industry standards, and manufacturers may specify the degree of water resistance or waterproofing their products provide. Always refer to the product’s official documentation for information on its water resistance capabilities and limitations.

Can damage to an iPhone or Apple Watch affect water resistance?

Damage to an iPhone or Apple Watch can potentially compromise their water resistance. Water resistance is achieved through a combination of design features, seals, adhesives, and coatings that protect the internal components from water ingress. However, if the device suffers physical damage or undergoes repairs that involve opening the device, the integrity of these protective measures may be compromised.

Here are some scenarios where damage can affect water resistance:

Cracks or Breaks:
- Physical damage such as cracks or breaks in the device’s casing can create openings for water to enter, bypassing the water-resistant seals.
Faulty Seals:
- Seals and gaskets that are designed to keep water out may become damaged or displaced due to drops, impacts, or wear and tear. If these seals are compromised, water can find its way into the device.
Repairs:
- Repairs that involve opening the device may compromise the original water-resistant design.
Worn-out Components:
- Over time, wear and tear on the device may lead to degradation of water-resistant materials or adhesives, reducing their effectiveness.

It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding water resistance and handle the device with care to maintain its protective features. If a device has been dropped, damaged, or undergone repairs, it’s advisable to avoid submerging in water.

Additionally, Apple provides guidelines on water resistance, such as avoiding intentional submersion and being cautious about exposing the device to water. Always refer to the specific product’s user manual and support documentation for accurate information on water resistance and how to handle your device to prevent potential damage.

How is waterproofing and water resistance rated?

Waterproofing in electronics is often rated using the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. The IP rating consists of two numbers, where each digit represents a different aspect of protection against solid particles and liquids. The higher the numbers, the greater the level of protection.

Here’s how the IP rating system works:

First Digit (Solid Particle Protection):
- The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the degree of protection against solid particles, such as dust and debris.
  - 0: No protection
  - 1: Protection against objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., a hand)
  - 2: Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers)
  - 3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and wires)
  - 4: Protection against objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., small tools and wires)
  - 5: Limited protection against dust ingress (some dust may get through)
  - 6: Dust-tight (no ingress of dust)
Second Digit (Liquid Ingress Protection):
- The second digit ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the degree of protection against liquids.
  - 0: No protection
  - 1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water (condensation)
  - 2: Protection against vertically falling drops of water when tilted up to 15 degrees
  - 3: Protection against spraying water at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical
  - 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction
  - 5: Protection against water jets (low-pressure jets)
  - 6: Protection against powerful water jets and heavy seas
  - 7: Protection against immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
  - 8: Protection against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, with the specifics defined by the manufacturer

For example, an electronic device with an IP67 rating is dust-tight (first digit) and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes (second digit).

It’s important to note that while IP ratings provide a standardized way to communicate protection levels, they don’t cover other factors such as impact resistance or long-term wear. Manufacturers may provide additional information about a device’s capabilities and limitations beyond the IP rating. Always refer to the product’s documentation for accurate details on its waterproofing features.

How can water affect devices if water resistance fails?

Water can have various detrimental effects on the internals of electronic devices. The extent of the damage depends on factors such as the duration of exposure, the type of liquid, and the specific design and protection measures implemented by the device’s manufacturer. Here are some common ways water can negatively impact electronic devices:

Short Circuits:
- Water is a good conductor of electricity, and when it comes into contact with electronic components, it can cause short circuits. Short circuits may damage or destroy sensitive circuits and lead to malfunctioning of the device.
Corrosion:
- Exposure to water can lead to corrosion of metal components on the device’s circuit board. Corrosion can weaken connections, reduce conductivity, and ultimately affect the overall performance of the device.
Oxidation:
- Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when metals come into contact with oxygen and moisture. Water exposure can accelerate oxidation, leading to the deterioration of metal contacts and connections.
Damage to Batteries:
- Water can damage batteries and compromise their functionality. It may lead to short circuits within the battery, reduced capacity, or even the release of harmful substances.
Display Issues:
- Water can penetrate the display area, leading to issues such as discoloration, dead pixels, or fogging inside the screen.
Component Failure:
- Water can cause various electronic components, including integrated circuits, resistors, and capacitors, to fail. This can result in the device not powering on or experiencing erratic behavior.
Loss of Data:
- Water damage may impact the storage components of a device, such as the hard drive or solid-state drive, leading to data loss.
Reduced Lifespan:
- Even if a device appears to work after water exposure, the long-term effects may reduce its overall lifespan. Corrosion and other damage may manifest over time, leading to gradual degradation of performance.

To minimize the impact of water on electronic devices, many manufacturers design their products with water-resistant or waterproof features. However, these features have limits, and it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for water resistance and avoid exposing devices to water beyond their specified capabilities. If a device comes into contact with water, it’s advisable to power it off immediately, if possible, and seek professional assistance to assess and address any potential damage.