SIMPLE ANSWER: Is there any waterproof iPhone? NO, all iPhone models including the newest iPhone 11 are not waterproof!
The iPhone 7 and the later models are rated water resistant (able to resist but not entirely withstand water penetration) not waterproof (impervious to water).
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, have the IP67 rating, same as the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X. These phones can be submerged into a water depth of 1 meter for up to 30 min.
iPhone XR, XS, and Xs Max have a better rating – IP68. They can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max also come with the IP68 rating. The iPhone 11 can be submerged up to 2-meter deep water, and for iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max is it around 4 meters.
If you are planning on going near a pool, check out these cases from Lifeproof.
Which iPhone is waterproof?
In this article, we’ll answer the question, but before we should explain the main difference between water-resistant and waterproof.
Water-resistant: This term means that your device can resist water, but it is not 100% full proof. This is the lowest level of water protection of the three (water-resistant, water-repellent, waterproof). If your device has the water-resistant label, you shouldn’t trust the proclamation without checking out how they define the water-resistance.
Waterproof: Being waterproof means the gadget can be submerged in the water, but only for some time. Theoretically, the gadget should remain impervious to water, but in reality, after some time period, the protective shield will reach its level and get a few drops of water on the inside.
There is no waterproof phone on the market!
Each phone that is marked as waterproof should be labeled as water-resistant with parameters specified by the manufacturer. 100% waterproof products will always have some limit to them. When subjected to enough pressure for enough time, every phone will eventually fail.
For more information, read our detailed explanation: Water Resistant vs Waterproof. What is the Difference?
Is iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Waterproof?
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s come with improved splash/shower protection, unfortunately, these models are not rated as waterproof, so the water can still leak in if they are submerged in the water for a long time.
To be honest, Apple doesn’t claim that these models are waterproof. However, if you accidentally drop your phone into water or the toilet (a surprising number of smartphone users do) and take it out in a few seconds, iPhone 6 and 6s will not take any damage.
Verdict: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s – IP67
Is iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus Waterproof?
Sorry, the iPhone 7 isn’t waterproof, it has an IP67 rating. However, you should not worry about getting these models a little wet. Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain or have your iPhone 7 near a pool, just don’t submerge it.
Don’t push the limits.
And don’t charge an iPhone if it´s wet either.
Please note, Apple´s warranty doesn’t cover water damage!
Verdict: iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus – IP67
Is iPhone 8 vs iPhone 8 Plus Waterproof?
Launched by Apple in 2017, these smartphones come with an IP67 rating. In a nutshell, as far as water is concerned, an IP67 rating means your iPhone 8 can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The iPhone 8 will without damage survive a water accident. However, the IP rating of the device doesn’t make it resistant to all kind of liquid. This is something you should know.
Please, do not drop your iPhone 8 (or any iPhone) into seawater. The salt will definitely damage it. If it has already happened, take it out, wash it with fresh water (even if it´s working fine), and then dry it properly.
Verdict: iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus – IP67
Is iPhone X Waterproof?
The IP67 certification of the iPhone X means that it can resist water or any kind of liquid to a certain extent. If the phone is exposed to pressurized water, the resistant seal can easily break and damage the device.
Don’t forget, liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty. Avoid taking your iPhone X in the shower, swimming or with you during any water sports.
However, it is safe to take iPhone X out in the rain, and it will definitely survive any accidental spills or drops in water.
Verdict: iPhone X – IP67
Are iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max Waterproof?
Apple has made the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max IP68 water-resistant, so they can survive being dropped in depths of up to 2 meters for a half-hour. This is an improvement against older models which offer only IP67 certification, the same as the iPhone XR.
However, Apple has some strong disclaimer notes in the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max disclaimer:
“iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are splash-, water- and dust-resistant, and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.”
Verdict: iPhone XR – IP67, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max – IP68
Are The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Max Waterproof?
With each new smartphone release, Apple continues to improve its waterproofing. And the iPhone 11 smartphones are a good example. They are better than their predecessors.
According to Apple’s official statement, both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro/Max are water-resistant to double the depth of the iPhone XS. Speaking in numbers, iPhone 11 can be submerged up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep water, for iPhone 11 Pro/Max is it 4 meters (13 feet). However, waterproof CNET’s test proves that both phones can survive even deeper water.
All three iPhone 11 models are rated IP68. Apple has tested each model for splash, dust, and water resistance as follows:
- iPhone 11: maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro: maximum depth of 4 meters up to 30 minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: maximum depth of 4 meters up to 30 minutes
Verdict: All iPhone 11 comes with an IP68 rating
Which iPhone to buy if you need a waterproof phone?
We don’t recommend buying any of these iPhones if you want a waterproof smartphone. It is important to know, water damage is not protected by AppleCare. Yes, the iPhone´s warranty does not cover liquid damage.
If you are planning on going near a pool, check out these cases from Lifeproof. They all have an IP68 ingress protection rating and seal your iPhone from dirt or dust. They are also shockproof and can withstand drops from up to 6.5 feet.
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Sources
- Is iPhone Waterproof?, EverythingApplePro
- Waterproofing explained: How Apple, Samsung and Sony keep the liquid out, CNET
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