Summer is heating up and with many out by the pool or sunbathing on the beach, the chances of dropping your iPhone in the water are high.
iPhones are rated by ingress protection (IP) ratings, which measure resistance against dust and liquids.
All iPhones above the 7 Plus have at least an IP61 rating and are splash, water, and dust resistant.
iPhones with an IP67 rating can survive in water with a maximum depth of 1 meter (3.28 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
These models range from the iPhone 7 plus to the second generation iPhone SE.
iPhones from model XR to iPhone 15 are also resistant to accidental spills of common liquids, including soda, beer, coffee, tea, and juice.
Models above an iPhone 11 have an IP68 rating and can be submerged up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max can be submerged up to 4 meters (13.12 feet).
The iPhone 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 15 can be submerged up to 6 meters (19,685) for 30 minutes.
Apple tested previous iPhone models under controlled laboratory conditions.
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Just because an iPhone model could survive underwater, it is not recommended to do so as your phone could still be damaged.
KEEP YOUR IPHONE SECURE
Apple advises customers to watch out for the following seven mistakes to prevent permanent damage to their iPhone.
- Swimming/bathing with your iPhone
- Exposing iPhone to water pressure, including but not limited to showering, water skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and jet skiing.
- Take your iPhone to a sauna or steam room
- Intentionally submerging iPhone in water
- Using your iPhone in extreme temperatures or humid conditions
- Drop your iPhone
- Disassembling your iPhone
Apple also recommends that users limit their iPhone’s exposure to soap, detergents, or other acidic liquids.
Instead of using liquids to clean your iPhone, a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth is preferable.
ERRORS OCCUR
Although it is best to prevent permanent damage to your iPhone, errors do happen.
IP Water Resistance Ratings – What Do They Mean?
Here is the full list…
- IP61 – Protection against vertical dripping of water
- IP62: protection against vertical dripping of water when the device is tilted at an angle of up to 15 degrees
- IP63: Protection against direct splashes of water when the device is tilted at an angle of up to 60 degrees
- IP64 – Protection against sprays and splashes of water in all directions.
- IP65: Protection against low pressure water projected from a nozzle with a 6.3 mm diameter opening in any direction
- IP66: protection against water projected in powerful jets from a nozzle with a 12.5 mm diameter opening in any direction
- IP67 – Protected from immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter (or 3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes
- IP68: protected against immersion in water with a depth of more than 1 meter (exact depth must be specified by the manufacturer)
If your iPhone gets wet, there are steps you can take to try to save it.
Apple recommends rinsing the affected area with tap water if a liquid other than water splashes on your phone.
A soft, lint-free cloth should then be applied to dry the phone.
iPhones can also be left in front of a fan that blows cold air into the Lightning or USB-C connection to aid in the drying process.
Apple advises against using a heat source or foreign object to remove water from inside your phone.
Contrary to popular belief, soaking your iPhone in rice does not adequately remove water.
Rice can damage iPhone ports and leave stains on the device.
iPhone models above an XS should warn users with a liquid detection alert if water has gotten inside the Lightning or USB-C connector.
iPhone users should not charge their phones until they are completely dry.
Apple recommends waiting at least five hours before charging to ensure the phone doesn’t suffer permanent damage.
