How does Apple water protection work?

Keys, smartphone, and headphones – these are three things without which a modern person is unlikely to leave the house. We go in for sports with them, go out of town for a barbecue, travel, and get caught in the rain – in a word, we test them in every possible way for strength. And if the keys are not afraid of such adventures, then the gadgets are in a more vulnerable position. Therefore, Apple has equipped its products with protection against moisture and dust.

What Apple devices are not afraid of water?

The degree of protection of the device against the ingress of dust and liquids into the housing is called the IP (International Protection) standard. It is indicated by two numbers. The first is resistance to microparticles and dust, and the second is moisture resistance.

In total, there are 6 degrees of protection against dust ingress. Absolute dust tightness is the sixth degree. It means that the contacts are securely protected. Resistance to liquid ingress is determined by 8 degrees, where the eighth is the maximum.

iPhone

All the latest Apple smartphones have IP68 and IP67 standards – this is enough for the smartphone to survive “bathing” in fresh water and not fail. And the iPhone XR and later models are not afraid of accidentally spilling soda, beer, tea, or juice.

IP68

Immersion on depth up to 6 meters and not over 30 minutes: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Dive to a depth of 4 meters and no more than 30 minutes: iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Diving to a depth of 2 meters and no more than 30 minutes: iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max.

IP67

Diving to a depth of 1 meter and no more than 30 minutes: iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus.

AirPods

AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods 3, and the case for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 are water and sweat resistant, although they are not waterproof. You can play sports in headphones (even when sweating profusely) and not worry if it rains or splashes on them. But you should not swim or take a shower with headphones on. The case for AirPods Pro 1st generation is not waterproof at all.

Before inserting wet AirPods into the charging case, wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow to dry completely.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 1 is waterproof, not waterproof. This means you can wear your watch while exercising, walking in the rain, or washing your hands. But it’s not worth messing around with them.

With Apple Watch Series 2 and later, you can shower, swim in the pool, or swim in the sea—but only at shallow depths. The watch automatically enters water lock mode to prevent accidental pressing. Do not wash your Apple Watch with shampoo or soap, as their formula can damage the acoustic membranes. And keep in mind: not all straps can withstand contact with water. For example, stainless steel and skin from “water treatments” can lose their appearance.

Any Apple Watch is not suitable for diving, water skiing, or other activities that involve diving to great depths or contacting water at high speed. For example, while riding a wakeboard or in a water park. The exception is Apple Watch Ultra. Only this model is not afraid of high-water pressure and is suitable for amateur scuba diving at a depth of up to 40 meters. What’s more, in the Depth app, you can view the ambient water temperature, depth, and dive time per session while freediving or snorkeling.

Is the waterproof warranty covered?

The water resistance of Apple devices does not mean that they can be bathed, thrown into the snow, or dropped into a body of water. If the device is damaged due to its contact with liquid, the responsibility for the damage lies with the user. Apple’s one-year limited warranty does not apply.

For example, an iPhone meets IP67 or IP68 standards when you take it out of the box and start using it. That is, while the phone is new. During operation, it wears out: due to shocks and shocks, the finest fitting of parts is displaced, forming gaps and chips. As a result, the tightness is broken. This may not affect the operation of the device as a whole, but if the phone is underwater, the liquid will penetrate into the case.

Another important point. iPhone’s water resistance is tested in a lab, and the IP certification applies to fresh water. Sea water, alcohol, and other liquids have a specific composition and can react chemically with gadget parts. Therefore, Apple advises: if you get the device wet, then first rinse the affected area with tap water, and then wipe and dry the iPhone.

What is the result?

The water resistance of the iPhone is not a permanent characteristic of the device. It’s more of a contingency insurance. A way to extend the life of your phone or headphones if they accidentally fall into a snowdrift or get caught in the rain. Correct long-term immersed operation is not expected. Therefore, if you really want to shoot videos of fish underwater, use special covers. That will be much safer.

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