The iPhone is water-resistant, not waterproof — and that difference matters
Apple's current iPhones can survive accidental water exposure, but they are not waterproof. Water-resistant means the phone can handle splashes, brief submersion, and rain. Waterproof would mean it survives indefinite underwater use. Your iPhone will likely survive a drop in a toilet or a spilled drink, but intentionally dunking it or using it underwater will damage it over time.
The exact level of protection depends on which iPhone model you own. Apple rates this protection using an industry standard called an IP rating. The first number in the rating measures dust protection; the second measures water protection. A higher second number means deeper water resistance for longer periods.
Understanding your phone's actual limits prevents expensive repairs. Many people assume water-resistant means they can use their phone at the beach or pool, then discover the hard way that salt water and chlorine cause different damage than fresh water, and that the protection degrades over time.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones rated IP68 can survive submersion in fresh water up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) for up to 30 minutes, but this protection decreases with age and damage.
- Salt water, chlorine, and soap reduce water resistance faster than fresh water and can corrode internal components even if the phone survives the initial exposure.
- Intentionally using your iPhone underwater — for photos, swimming, or diving — will eventually cause water damage that Apple's warranty does not cover.
- If your phone gets wet, power it off immediately, let it dry for at least 24 hours in a warm dry place, and avoid charging it until it is completely dry.
Water resistance ratings for current iPhone models
Most current iPhones carry an IP68 rating, which means they can be submerged in up to 6 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes without damage. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro. Older models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro also have IP68 protection, though Apple's testing standards have shifted slightly over generations.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max added a titanium frame and improved seals compared to earlier models, which theoretically improves water resistance. However, Apple does not claim this extends the depth or time limits — the rating remains 6 meters for 30 minutes. The practical difference is that the newer phones may hold up slightly better to repeated water exposure, but this is not may provide.
Older iPhone models have lower ratings. The iPhone 12 and earlier models are rated IP67, which means they survive submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone 11 is also IP67. If you own an iPhone 11 or older, your phone is less water-resistant than current models, and you should be more cautious around water.
What damages water-resistant iPhones faster
Fresh water is what Apple tests with, and your phone handles it best. Salt water, chlorine, and soap are different stories. Salt water corrodes the internal metal components and can cause damage that does not show up immediately — the phone may work fine for days or weeks, then suddenly fail as corrosion spreads. Chlorine from pools and hot tubs is similarly aggressive and can degrade seals faster than fresh water.
Soap and shampoo are often overlooked. If you use your phone in the shower or wash it under running water with soap, you are exposing it to chemicals that break down the rubber seals designed to keep water out. The phone may survive one shower, but repeated exposure weakens the seals over months.
Temperature also matters. Submerging a hot phone in cold water or vice versa can cause the internal components to contract and expand at different rates, creating tiny gaps in the seals. Avoid jumping into a pool immediately after using your phone in direct sunlight, and do not rinse a warm phone under cold water.
Physical damage reduces water resistance immediately. A cracked screen, a dent in the frame, or a loose port cover all compromise the seals. If your phone has been dropped or damaged, its water resistance is compromised even if the damage is not visible.
What to do if your iPhone gets wet
Turn the phone off as soon as possible. Do not try to use it, check if it still works, or charge it. Power it down completely by holding the side button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off.
Dry the outside with a soft cloth. If the phone was in salt water or chlorine, rinse it gently under fresh running water first, then dry it. Do not use a hair dryer or place it in direct sunlight — heat can push water deeper into the phone and damage the battery.
Leave it in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. A room at normal temperature is fine; you do not need to use rice or silica gel, which can leave particles inside the phone. If the phone was submerged or heavily soaked, wait 48 hours before powering it back on.
Do not charge it until you are certain it is dry. Charging a wet phone can cause a short circuit and permanent damage. If you see liquid in the camera lens or under the screen after 48 hours of drying, the phone has water inside and needs professional service.
When water damage is not covered by warranty
Apple's standard warranty does not cover water damage, even on water-resistant phones. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not damage from exposure to liquid. If your phone stops working after getting wet, Apple will likely refuse to repair it under warranty and will charge you for the repair.
AppleCare+ adds accidental damage coverage, which includes liquid damage, but you must have purchased it when you bought the phone or within 60 days of purchase. If you have AppleCare+, accidental water damage is covered under the plan, though you will pay a service fee (usually $99 to $199 depending on the model).
Intentional use underwater — taking photos underwater, swimming with the phone, or using it while diving — is not covered under any Apple warranty or AppleCare+ plan. Apple's water resistance rating assumes accidental exposure, not deliberate submersion for extended periods.
Alternatives if you want to use your iPhone underwater
If you want to take photos or videos underwater, a waterproof case is your best option. Cases like the Lifeproof Fre or OtterBox Defender are rated for submersion to depths of 6 to 10 meters and allow you to use the phone normally inside the case. These cases add bulk and weight, but they provide genuine waterproof protection that the phone alone cannot offer.
Waterproof phone pouches are cheaper and lighter than full cases. They are clear plastic bags with a sealed closure that let you use the phone's touchscreen through the plastic. They work for casual water exposure like beach trips or pool days, but they are not as durable as a hard case and can fail if the seal is not perfect.
For serious underwater photography, consider a dedicated underwater camera instead of trying to protect your iPhone. Underwater cameras are designed for the pressure and conditions of deep water and will produce better results than a phone in a case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone in the shower?
Occasional shower use is usually fine, but regular exposure to hot water and soap will degrade the seals over time. If you use your phone in the shower regularly, you are shortening its water-resistant lifespan. Avoid spraying it directly with water, and do not submerge it intentionally.
Does water resistance get worse as the phone ages?
Yes. The rubber seals that keep water out degrade over time, especially if the phone has been exposed to water multiple times. A two-year-old iPhone is less water-resistant than a new one, even if nothing is visibly wrong with it. After three to four years, the seals may be noticeably weaker.
What if water gets inside but the phone still works?
Water inside the phone will eventually cause corrosion and failure, even if the phone works now. Do not ignore it. Power off the phone, dry it thoroughly, and contact Apple or a repair service. Continuing to use it risks permanent damage and may make the problem worse.
Is my iPhone waterproof if I have a screen protector or case?
A regular case or screen protector does not add waterproofing. Only a case specifically rated for water resistance (like Lifeproof or OtterBox) provides additional protection. A regular case may actually trap water against the phone if it gets wet.
Can I take my iPhone swimming?
Not intentionally. While your iPhone can survive a brief accidental dunking, taking it swimming exposes it to prolonged submersion, pressure changes, and chlorine. The water resistance will fail, and you will end up with a damaged phone. Use a waterproof case or leave the phone behind.