What to Know
- No iPhone is waterproof, but all iPhone 7 and later models are water resistant.
- Different water resistance ratings indicate how long and to what depth the iPhone can be submerged without damage.
- Despite these ratings, Apple won't cover liquid damage under AppleCare or AppleCare+.
Are iPhones waterproof? Sadly, Apple hasn't made any waterproof iPhones, but every model from the iPhone 7 through the new iPhone 14 family is dust, splash, and water resistant. Here's what Apple means by water resistant and which iPhones are included.
Jump To:
- iPhone Water Resistance Ratings (IP67 & IP68)
- How Waterproof Is My iPhone?
- How to Make Your iPhone Waterproof
iPhone Water Resistance Ratings (IP67 & IP68 Explained)
Every iPhone from the iPhone 7 through the iPhone 14 is resistant to dust and splashes of water, as well as other non-corrosive liquids like coffee, juice, soda, tea, and beer. These iPhones have been tested in a lab and earned a rating under International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. The IP67 and IP68 ratings indicate how long and to what depth the iPhone can be submerged without sustaining damage. Apple warns that resistance can decrease as your iPhone ages due to wear and tear and that liquid damage is not covered under your AppleCare warranty.
How Waterproof Is My iPhone Model?
Let's go over how dust and water-resistant the iPhone 14 models really are. We'll also cover older phones, from iPhone 13 all the way back to the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE. If you want to make your iPhone truly waterproof, we'll also recommend waterproof cases! For more advice on your Apple devices, like whether or not AirPods are waterproof, check out our free Tip of the Day.
Is the iPhone 14 Waterproof?
While not waterproof, all iPhone 14 models have an IP68 rating. Any iPhone 14 can be submerged at a depth of up to six meters for as long as 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This applies to the base model iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Is the iPhone 13 Waterproof?
No, but the iPhone 13 models are just as water-resistant as the iPhone 14 models! The iPhone 13 also has an IP68 rating, which means it can be submerged at a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes. This applies to the iPhone 13 base model, the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Is the iPhone 12 Waterproof?
Your iPhone 12 is water-resistant and has an IP68 rating. All iPhone 12 models can be submerged at a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This makes your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max just as water-resistant as the newer iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models!
Is the iPhone 11 Waterproof?
How water-resistant your iPhone 11 is depends on which model you have! All iPhone 11 models have the IP68 rating, but the base model iPhone 11 can only be submerged at a maximum depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max can be submerged at a depth up to four meters for the same amount of time.
Is the iPhone X, XR, and XS Waterproof?
None of these models are waterproof, but some are slightly more water-resistant than others. The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have an IP68 rating and can be submerged at a maximum depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, if you own an iPhone X, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE (2nd generation), these can only be submerged at a maximum depth of one meter for the same amount of time.
Is the iPhone 8 Waterproof?
No, but the iPhone 8 is water-resistant! All iPhone 8 models have an IP67 rating, which means the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus can be submerged at a maximum depth of up to one meter for 30 minutes without damage.
Is the iPhone 7 Waterproof?
Your iPhone 7 isn't waterproof, but all iPhone 7 models are water resistant and have an IP67 rating, which means the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus can be submerged at a maximum depth of up to one meter for 30 minutes without damage.
Note: If you splash water or other liquids on your iPhone, you can clean your iPhone following our instructions. We can also guide you through how to fix the Liquid Has Been Detected in Lightning Connector notification and even how to get water out of iPhone speakers.
How to Make Your iPhone Waterproof
If you want to swim with your phone or go underwater to take photos, the answer is a waterproof case. Another good reason for making your iPhone waterproof with a case is that Apple, despite stating that all recent iPhones are water resistant, emphasizes that "splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear". Additionally, Apple does not cover liquid damage under AppleCare or AppleCare+.
When it comes to buying a waterproof case, there are lots of great options on the market, but here are two of my favorites. These links are for the iPhone 14 models, but the brands I'm recommending also carry waterproof cases for older iPhones.
Catalyst Total Protection Case ($89.99)
This rugged, washable case comes in stealth black and will waterproof your iPhone 14 from submersion in up to 33 feet of water. The Total Protection is also drop-proof up to 6.6 feet and is compatible with Catalyst screen protectors.
Lifeproof FRE $89.99
Lifeproof's waterproof iPhone case offers less protection as Catalyst's, only 6.6 feet for up to an hour. The FRE also offers drop protection up to 6.6 feet and comes in black, green, and purple. Lifeproof also sells a waterproof MagSafe case for ten dollars more.
Now you know how water resistant your iPhone is, whether you have an older phone or one of the latest iPhone 14 models. If you're worried about voiding your AppleCare warranty due to liquid damage, want to enjoy swimming or underwater photography, or are just clumsy (like me), consider purchasing a waterproof case for your iPhone. The peace of mind you'll gain is worth it!
Top image credit: Karlis Dambrans / Shutterstock.com
