Is My iPhone Waterproof? Here’s What You Need To Know (All Models)

Got caught in a rain shower with your iPhone? Or you dropped your smartphone in the toilet? Then you are right to ask yourself if your iPhone is waterproof. Apple has been equipping iPhones with this feature for some time now. We will show you which iPhones are protected against water and other kinds of liquid.

IP code determines waterproofness

Before we address the question of how waterproof the various iPhone models are, we need to clarify what the much-cited IP protection class – or more precisely the IP code – is all about. The term “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection” and appears especially in connection with newer iPhones. In combination with two subsequent digits, the IP rating indicates how well a device is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and liquids.

The first number describes the protection against the penetration of solid foreign bodies such as dirt, sand and dust. All iPhone models starting with iPhone 7 have an IP rating that begins with the number 6 and is the highest of the total of 6 protection levels. The number indicates that the device is dust-proof and fully protected against contact.

For our purposes, the second digit is of particular interest. This tells us how well the device is protected against liquids. While there is no difference in the dust protection of the devices and here the maximum has already been reached, the situation is different with waterproofness. Here, there are altogether 9 degrees of protection that determine whether a device is only water-repellent or completely waterproof. Only the numbers 7 and 8 are relevant for the iPhone in this context.

Which iPhones are waterproof?

iPhones with the number 7 in the IP code – i.e. IP67 – are protected against temporary submersion and can survive for up to 30 minutes in a water depth of up to one meter. This includes the following models:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 (Plus)
• iPhone 7 (Plus)

Devices with the number 8 in the IP code, on the other hand – i.e. IP68 – are protected against permanent immersion for up to 30 minutes in water up to 2 meters deep. This applies to all models:

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro (up to 4 metres)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max (up to 4 metres)

The two IP ratings that are used on (newer) iPhones and which, according to Apple, guarantee protection against “splashes, water and dust” are IP67 and IP68. Starting with the iPhone 7, all models therefore survive – at least temporarily – a water bath or heavy contact with the liquid. All older iPhones are not protected against water, although some models – such as the iPhone 6s – have proven this property in various (unofficial) tests. In another article we show you what you can do if your iPhone gets wet.

Tip: With a special app you can easily remove water from the iPhone speakers!

Which iPhones are IP are IP rated?

Below you can see the IP ratings of all previous iPhone models.

Waterproof doesn’t necessarily mean waterproof

The IP rating as well as Apple promise protection against water. But if you think you will be able to go diving in the sea with your iPhone on your next holiday or swim a few laps in the pool, be warned. Salt water and chemicals such as chlorine can irreparably damage the inner workings of the device and should be avoided. Even if the iPhone is constantly moved under water, a hundred percent protection can no longer be guaranteed.

According to Apple, the property was tested under “controlled laboratory conditions”, which means: in clear water and at rest. This means that the iPhone is not protected from all liquids with which it could come into contact. This applies to the iPhone 7 as well as to the iPhone 8 or iPhone X (and newer). However, rainwater, a fall into a pool, or a spilled beverage will not affect a certified iPhone.

No warranty for iPhone water damage!

iPhones with a IP rating are advertised by Apple as waterproof, but Apple’s warranty does not cover “damage caused by liquids”. This may sound contradictory, but it is due to the fact that dust and water protection can decrease over time due to normal wear and tear. Therefore, a warranty claim due to water damage cannot be made. The costs for a defective device are therefore borne by the user concerned.

In this case only a careful handling of the iPhone can help, especially if it is not a new device. In addition, Apple expressly points out in the small print that you should never charge a wet iPhone. In another article we show you how to tell if your iPhone suffered water damage.