The weather is all over again. How do you know if it’s safe to ride your iPhone in the rain or submerge it in water? In this overview we will find out for you! Are you reading along?
What do the IP ratings mean for water in your iPhone?
IP67, IP68 and IPX6. There are so many abbreviations for water resistance or waterproofing. However, often these abbreviations are used synonymously? But of course that’s not right. So what exactly is the difference? And what is that IP number?
IP is an abbreviation of Ingress Protection (or: International Protection). The first number after IP stands for dust resistance. This goes from 0 to 6. At 6 your iPhone is completely dust resistant. At 0, it is wise to leave your iPhone at home if you go to the beach, for example. Is there an X? Then the device has not been officially tested for dust resistance.
The second number goes from 0 to 8 and is about water resistance. From a 6 we talk about ‘water resistant’, at a 7 about ‘submersible’ and from an 8 about ‘waterproof’. Read on to find out which classification your iPhone has and what the differences are.
These iPhones are water resistant (and can withstand a bit of rain)
The iPhones with an IP67 certification are therefore waterproof and dustproof. In reality, it means that your iPhone should not be submerged more than one meter under water for a maximum of half an hour. So it survives a fall in the toilet, but you shouldn’t necessarily bathe with it. The following iPhones have an IP67 certification and are thus immersion-tight: iPhone 7 (Plus), iPhone 8 (Plus), iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone SE 2022.
So the iPhone 6s and older aren’t even water resistant. At least this has not been tested. So they can probably handle a drop of water, but you shouldn’t go looking for it. So if you still have an older iPhone, we recommend that you do not use it in the rain or take it to the beach. iPhones have no business in the sauna anyway, because it is too hot there on the one hand and completely different classifications apply to steam on the other.
These iPhones can withstand water
iPhones with an IP68 certification are waterproof, so will do it after you’ve been in the water with them. This does not mean that you can go completely free. A waterproof iPhone should not be submerged more than 3 meters under water. The following iPhones have an IP68 certification and are thus waterproof†iPhone XS (Max), iPhone 11 (Pro/Pro Max), iPhone 12 (mini/Pro/Pro Max), and iPhone 13 (mini/Pro/Pro Max).
You can safely use these iPhones during this dog weather or with wet fingers when you just get out of the shower. However, there are several reasons to be careful with this. Read our tips below to make sure your iPhone survives the waterfall of water tests.
Tips for (preventing) water damage on your iPhone
- First, it’s important to know that water damage to your iPhone is not covered by Apple’s warranty. Think of the IP68 rating more as a backupâ€
- Electronics don’t tolerate salt very well. So beware of the sea;
- The IP rating has been tested before purchase. For example, if your screen is cracked, your iPhone is no longer waterproof;
- Steam can better penetrate the narrow passages of your iPhone. So avoid saunas and steam rooms;
- Do you really want waterproof? Then buy a waterproof case.
In case you are completely panicked after taking a shower with your iPhone or these unpredictable rain showers. No worries! We have listed four tips for you to save your iPhone from water damage. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will dare to keep your iPhone underwater or in the rain. Or not.