The “Waterproof” iPhone: Water Resistance Ratings Explained (Updated for 2025)

Are iPhones Waterproof? The answer might be surprising. Many people mistakenly assume their “water-resistant” iPhone is fully waterproof. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Every iPhone user should know what their phone’s water resistance rating means and how much water their device can handle. 

Are iPhones Waterproof?

If you’re looking for a waterproof iPhone, you may have to wait a while. As of 2023, no iPhones are fully waterproof. This is a common misconception since iPhones have been water-resistant for years. However, there’s a big difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant.” 

In fact, Apple doesn’t cover water damage in any of its iPhone warranties. While most iPhones will be completely fine after a quick splash or a drop in the sink, water damage is still possible. iPhones are not designed to go deep underwater or stay submerged for long periods.

Common Myths About iPhone Water Resistance

It’s easy to assume your iPhone’s water resistance means it’s permanently protected, but that’s not the case. Water resistance isn’t a forever feature. It can wear down over time due to drops, exposure to heat or regular use. 

If you’ve ever had your phone repaired, especially for the screen or battery, that seal might not be as strong as it was. Many users also think water resistance doesn’t degrade, but seals and adhesives naturally lose their integrity.

Another big myth is that using your iPhone in the pool or at the beach is safe. Saltwater and chlorine are far more corrosive than the fresh water in lab testing for IP ratings. Your iPhone might survive the splash, but repeated exposure can damage speakers, ports or internal components. Always treat water resistance as a backup, not an invitation to swim with your phone.

Water-Resistant iPhones

While we might not have a fully waterproof iPhone yet, all new iPhones today are water-resistant. If you have an iPhone 7 or later, your phone is water resistant. Not all iPhones have the same water resistance rating, though. 

Apple uses the International Electrotechnical Commission’s water resistance rating standard, which is recognized worldwide. The IEC establishes the “IP” water resistance ratings of many devices. All water-resistant iPhones have either an IP67 or IP68 rating. 

The iPhone 7/7 Plus, 8/8 Plus, X, XR, and 2nd generation iPhone SE are all IP67 water resistant. This means they can withstand up to 30 minutes underwater at a maximum depth of 1 meter. 

All iPhones from 2018 onward, starting with the iPhone XS, are IP68 water-resistant to varying depths. For example, the iPhone XS and XS Max can withstand 30 minutes underwater at a max depth of 2 meters. The newer iPhone 14 is rated for a max depth of 6 meters.

What Can You Do With a Water-Resistant iPhone?

A water-resistant iPhone is not the same as a waterproof iPhone, so it’s essential to understand how much water your phone can handle. Water-resistant means a device has some water protection, but only up to a certain point. 

Most people don’t need a fully waterproof iPhone. A water-resistant phone can withstand virtually any everyday drop or spill without issue. Suppose you accidentally knock over your mug of coffee and it spills on your iPhone 11. Wipe it off with a damp towel, dry it with a microfiber cloth and it should still work perfectly. 

If you drop your water-resistant iPhone in a swimming pool or the sink, pull it out immediately and it should be perfectly fine. Any everyday contact with water, provided briefly, shouldn’t damage your iPhone if it has a water resistance rating. 

One important thing to be careful about is saltwater. Saltwater is more dangerous than freshwater for electronics that aren’t fully waterproof. Since saltwater is more conductive than freshwater, it is more corrosive. It can often eat through exterior coatings and films on phones more easily than freshwater. Saltwater also causes faster rusting, which can impact your phone’s interior and may not be visible on the outside. 

Your iPhone should survive a quick drop in the ocean, but you will need to rinse it with fresh water immediately. Make sure to rinse out any ports, such as the charging port.

How to Check If Your iPhone Has Lost Water Resistance

Suppose your iPhone’s seals or gaskets are compromised. You might notice moisture under the camera lens, muffled speaker sound or fogging inside the screen. These are red flags that the phone’s water resistance has been weakened. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t offer a direct way to test this feature post-repair, and most third-party diagnostics can’t confirm it either.

Suppose your phone has been opened for a battery swap or screen replacement. Even if it looks fine on the outside, the water resistance is not guaranteed to remain intact. It’s smart to be extra cautious after any repair or once your device ages. Avoid exposing it to water, skip those underwater photos, and consider using a waterproof case around pools or beaches. Protecting your investment is better than assuming your phone is still sealed tight.

Tips for Protecting Your iPhone from Water Damage

Even if your iPhone has an impressive water-resistance rating, that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Water exposure can still cause damage over time, especially if the device has been dropped, repaired or is aging.

To keep your phone safe and functional, it’s important to treat water resistance as a helpful feature, not a guarantee. Here are some smart tips to help you protect your iPhone from unexpected water damage.

• Keep it away from saltwater and chlorine: Pools and oceans are more corrosive than freshwater and can damage your phone faster.
• Avoid charging when wet: Never plug in your iPhone if there’s moisture in the port, as this can cause short circuits or internal damage.
• Skip the underwater photography: Just because it’s rated for splashes doesn’t mean it’s safe for deep or extended submersion.
• Use a waterproof case for extra protection: Especially if you’re going boating, hiking or spending time near water.
• Wipe off spills quickly: If your phone gets wet, dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth as soon as possible.
• Don’t trust water resistance after a repair: Once your phone is opened for service, those seals might not work the same way again.
• Avoid high-pressure water contact: Water jets from showers or hoses can force moisture into ports and seams more easily than still water.

The Verdict: Is the iPhone “Waterproof”?

When you see “waterproof” in ads, it’s easy to believe your iPhone can handle everything. But that’s more marketing than reality. In truth, your iPhone is water-resistant, not waterproof, and that’s a big difference.

The seals and gaskets aren’t built to withstand pressure, salt or long-term moisture. Over time, they can wear down without you even knowing it. So, while the rating gives you peace of mind, it’s not a free pass to be careless. Think of water protection as a safety net, not a guarantee, and always take extra steps to keep your iPhone dry and damage-free.

Keeping Your iPhone Safe Around Water

It might be disappointing to hear that iPhones are not waterproof. However, most iPhones today are water resistant, so your phone should have no problem surviving everyday accidents like a spilled glass of water or a drop in the sink. If you want to take extra steps to protect your iPhone from water damage, it’s a good idea to invest in a reliable waterproof case.

Original Publish Date 8/10/2023 — Updated 05/28/2025