New iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof — and there's a real difference

Apple's newest iPhones carry an IP68 rating, which means they can survive submersion in fresh water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. That's deeper and longer than older models, but it's not the same as waterproof. Water-resistant means water will eventually get in if you push it far enough. Waterproof means it won't, period. Apple uses water-resistant because that's what the rating actually measures.

The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series all carry the same IP68 rating. Earlier models like the iPhone 14 also have IP68, though some older iPhones (iPhone XS and earlier) had lower ratings. The rating covers accidental water exposure — dropping your phone in a pool, getting caught in rain, spilling a drink on it. It does not cover intentional diving, hot water, salt water, or pressure from water jets.

Key Takeaways

  • IP68 means your iPhone can survive fresh water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes, but salt water, hot water, and pressure damage it faster.
  • Water resistance degrades over time as seals wear out, so a two-year-old iPhone is less protected than a new one even if the rating is the same.
  • Accidental spills and brief submersion are usually fine; intentional underwater photography or snorkeling will eventually damage the phone.
  • AppleCare+ does not cover water damage, so a single mistake in salt water or a washing machine can cost you $300 to $800 in repairs.

What IP68 actually protects against

The IP68 rating comes from a standardized test: the phone sits in fresh water at room temperature, 1 meter deep, for 30 minutes. Apple's phones go deeper — 6 meters — which is why they advertise the higher number. But the test uses still water, not moving water. A wave, a waterfall, or a garden hose applies pressure that the rating does not account for.

Rain, puddles, and toilet water are fine. A quick dunk in a pool or lake is fine. Dropping your phone in the ocean is not — salt water corrodes the internal components faster than fresh water does, and the phone will fail sooner. Hot water from a shower or bath also causes faster damage because heat makes seals expand and contract, letting water slip past them.

The rating assumes normal use. If you take your iPhone snorkeling or use it underwater for photos repeatedly, you are operating outside the design envelope. Each submersion wears the seals a little more. Eventually, water gets in.

Water resistance gets worse as your phone ages

A brand-new iPhone fresh from the box has intact seals around the screen, speaker grilles, and charging port. After a year of normal use — temperature changes, dust, the occasional drop — those seals start to degrade. After two years, the water resistance is noticeably lower, even though the phone still carries the IP68 label.

Apple does not publish a timeline for when seals fail, and the company does not re-rate phones after they age. This means a three-year-old iPhone with a cracked screen protector or a loose charging port may not actually survive the conditions the IP68 rating describes, even though the label still says it does.

If your phone has been dropped, gotten very hot, or sat in a humid environment for weeks, assume the seals are compromised. Treat it as less water-resistant than the rating suggests.

Salt water and chlorine damage iPhones faster than fresh water

Beach trips and pool days are common reasons people test their phone's water resistance. Both environments are harder on the phone than the IP68 rating reflects. Salt water is conductive and corrosive — it speeds up the oxidation of internal metal components. Chlorine is a chemical that can degrade rubber seals and corrode circuitry.

If your iPhone gets exposed to salt water or chlorine, rinse it with fresh water as soon as you can and dry it completely. Do not assume the IP68 rating means you can ignore it. The rating is for accidental exposure, not for regular use in these environments.

Saltwater damage often does not show up immediately. The phone may work fine for days or weeks, then suddenly stop charging, lose audio, or develop corrosion visible around the charging port. By then, the damage is internal and expensive to repair.

AppleCare+ does not cover water damage

If water gets inside your iPhone and causes a malfunction, AppleCare+ will not pay for the repair. Apple considers water damage accidental damage, and accidental damage is not covered under the standard AppleCare+ plan in most regions. You will pay out of pocket — typically $300 to $800 depending on the model and what needs to be replaced.

Some carriers and credit card companies offer phone protection plans that do cover water damage, but you have to check your specific plan. AppleCare+ alone does not.

This is why the water-resistant rating matters: it is your only protection against an expensive repair. Treat it as a safety margin, not a may provide.

What to do if your iPhone gets wet

If your phone gets dunked or soaked, power it off immediately. Do not try to charge it or use it. Let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. A fan pointing at it helps, but do not use a hair dryer or oven — heat can damage the battery and other components.

If the phone was in salt water or chlorine, rinse it gently with fresh water first, then dry it. Do not submerge it in fresh water to rinse — just run fresh water over it briefly and pat it dry with a soft cloth.

After 24 hours, try powering it on. If it works, you got lucky. If it does not, or if you see condensation under the screen, the water got inside. Take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. Waiting longer will only make the corrosion worse.

Older iPhones have lower water resistance ratings

If you have an iPhone older than the iPhone 11, your water resistance is lower. The iPhone XS and XS Max had IP68 but only survived 2 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone X had the same rating. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus had IP67, which means 1 meter for 30 minutes. Anything older than that had no water resistance at all.

If you are using an older iPhone, treat it as water-sensitive. Avoid intentional water exposure, and be more careful with accidental spills. The seals are also more likely to be degraded if the phone is several years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take underwater photos with my new iPhone?

You can take a few photos if you drop your phone in a pool by accident, and it will probably be fine. Intentional underwater photography — holding the phone underwater for minutes at a time, repeatedly — will eventually damage it. Each submersion wears the seals. The IP68 rating is for accidental exposure, not regular underwater use.

Is my iPhone safe in the shower?

Brief exposure to shower spray is usually fine, but hot water and steam are harder on the seals than cold water. Do not leave your phone in a steamy bathroom for hours, and do not aim the showerhead directly at it. If water gets in the charging port and you try to charge it while it is still wet, you risk damaging the battery or the charging circuitry.

What if my phone gets wet and I ignore it?

Water inside the phone will corrode the circuitry and battery over time. The phone may work for days or weeks, then suddenly fail. By then, the damage is extensive and expensive to fix. Power it off, dry it, and wait 24 hours. Do not ignore it and hope it goes away.

Does water damage show up on Apple's diagnostics?

Apple has liquid contact indicators inside the phone that change color if water gets in. Technicians can see these during repair. If you have water damage and try to claim it is a manufacturing defect, Apple will see the indicator and deny the claim. Be honest about what happened.

Can I use my iPhone in a hot tub or sauna?

No. Hot water and steam degrade the seals much faster than cool water does. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the phone also causes the internal components to expand and contract, creating gaps where water can seep in. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.