Is iPhone Waterproof? What Does IP68 Mean?

“Is iPhone waterproof?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by iPhone owners. According to Apple’s official specifications page, iPhone is water resistant but not waterproof. The difference between these two concepts is critically important for the lifespan of your phone. In this article, we explain in detail what IP68 actually means, what Apple’s warranty covers, and what you should do after water exposure.

What Does the IP Rating Mean?

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an international standard (IEC 60529) that indicates a device’s level of resistance to dust and water. The two digits in the IP code represent different protections:

• First digit (6): Level of protection against dust. “6” is the highest level and means completely dust-tight.
• Second digit (7 or 8): Level of protection against water. The higher this number, the deeper and longer the device can withstand water exposure.

IP67 vs IP68: What’s the Difference?

IP67: Resistant in fresh water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. iPhone 7, 8, X, and SE (2nd and 3rd generation) have this rating.

IP68: Deeper water resistance under conditions specified by the manufacturer:

• iPhone XS, 11 Pro: 2 meters depth for 30 minutes
• iPhone 12, 13 series: 6 meters depth for 30 minutes
• iPhone 14, 15, 16 series: 6 meters depth for 30 minutes

Important note: These tests are conducted in controlled laboratory conditions with still fresh water.

Water Resistant ≠ Waterproof

Water resistant: Provides protection against water under specific conditions for a limited time. iPhone falls into this category.

Waterproof: Withstands water exposure for unlimited time and depth. No iPhone falls into this category.

Apple Warranty Coverage

Standard warranty: Apple’s 1-year limited warranty absolutely does not cover damage caused by liquid exposure.

AppleCare+: Does not cover liquid damage under warranty, but offers discounted repair under the “accidental damage” category.

Factors That Reduce Water Resistance

Natural wear: The seals and adhesives that provide water resistance weaken over time. A 2–3-year-old iPhone does not have the same water resistance as a new iPhone.

Drops and impacts: Physical impacts can dislodge the seals at the casing’s junction points.

Temperature changes: Sudden temperature changes can cause seals to expand and contract.

Previous repairs: Repairs performed at unauthorized service centers can compromise factory seals.

Liquids to Watch Out For

IP68 testing is done with fresh water. Other liquids can cause much more damage to your iPhone:

• Salt water (sea): Salt crystals cause corrosion when they dry.
• Chlorinated water (pool): Chlorine damages plastic and rubber seals.
• Soapy water: Soap reduces surface tension, allowing water to seep into openings it normally couldn’t enter.
• Carbonated drinks: The acid and sugar content leaves sticky residue after drying.

What to Do After Water Exposure

1. Remove the phone from water and turn it off immediately.
2. Remove the case and check all ports.
3. Dry the exterior — gently wipe with a lint-free cloth.
4. Check the speaker — if the sound is muffled, there is water in the speaker.
5. Eject water from the speaker — the Speaker Cleaner app performs this safely in seconds with an 80–165 Hz frequency sweep.
6. Don’t charge it — charging while there is moisture in the Lightning or USB-C port carries a short circuit risk.
7. Let it dry — leave it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours.
8. Measure the speaker output — is the sound normal after drying? Use the Speaker Cleaner app’s free Decibel Meter to compare before/after dB levels; if the muffled quality persists, run the water ejection mode in the same app.

Tips to Protect Your iPhone Against Water

• Use a waterproof case or pouch in environments like pools, the sea, and bathrooms.
• Don’t drop your phone — every impact reduces water resistance.
• After contact with salt water or chlorinated water, rinse the phone with clean water and dry it.
• Don’t intentionally submerge your iPhone — IP68 is meant to provide protection in case of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iPhone water resistant?

iPhone 7 and later models have IP67 or IP68 water resistance ratings. However, this does not mean the phone is waterproof.

What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?

IP67 offers water resistance at 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes. IP68 provides resistance at depths between 2 and 6 meters, depending on the model.

Does Apple cover water damage under warranty?

No. Apple’s standard warranty and AppleCare+ plan do not cover damage caused by liquid exposure under warranty.

Can salt water or pool water damage an iPhone?

Yes. IP68 testing is done with fresh water. Salt water, chlorinated water, soapy water, and other liquids can damage your iPhone’s seals and internal components.

Does iPhone water resistance decrease over time?

Yes. The seals and adhesives that provide water resistance weaken over time due to daily use and natural wear.