With the iPhone 16 series already out, I am sure you are excited to try out the new camera capabilities. While the upgrades are compelling enough to make buying decisions, if you are a fan of underwater photography, knowing the nitty-gritty details about the devices, like whether they are waterproof, is essential.
I explain whether the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are waterproof in this article and share some measures you can take to protect your iPhone from getting water damaged.
Are iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro waterproof?
All the models of the iPhone 16 series, i.e., iPhone 16, 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, have an IP68 water-resistant rating under IEC standard 60529. This means each model is splash, dust, and water resistant up to a certain level.
However, mind you, the IP68 rating does not mean that iPhone 16 series is waterproof; it is just water-resistant. The IP68 rating is the same IP rating found on the iPhone 15 series, which means that your iPhone 16 can be submerged to a maximum of 6-meter (~19.7 feet) depth for up to 30 minutes.
iPhone 16 water-resistance rating: Explained
At present, the IP68 rating is the highest level of water and dust resistance that can be found on a consumer device. Let us take a look at what it means.
The first number in IP68, i.e., 6, signifies the level of resistance and protection a device has against solid components like dust. The second digit, i.e., 8, signifies the level of protection a device has against liquid components, particularly water. Combined, both digits denote the level of protection the device has against dust, splashes, accidental spills, and more. However, not all manufacturers follow the same standards, so the water and dust resistance levels can vary, even if their products have the same IP68 rating.
In the case of the iPhone 16 series, all the models have an IP68 rating. To reiterate, this means that all the models in the iPhone 16 lineup can withstand submersion in fresh water for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 6 meters (~19.7 feet).
Real-world water exposure: What the iPhone 16 can handle
While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have an IP68 rating, they, too, are susceptible to damage when exposed to prolonged submersion or submersion deeper than 6 meters. As such, knowing what the iPhone 16 can or can not handle is important, as Apple’s limited warranty does not cover liquid damage even though the devices have an IP68 rating.
What the iPhone 16 can handle:
- Rain and splashes: The iPhone 16 can easily withstand rain or water splashes while washing hands or at the poolside.
- Accidental drops in water: If you drop your iPhone 16 into a bathtub, sink, or shallow pool, it should remain unaffected if you manage to quickly retrieve and dry it.
- Beach and poolside use: While the IP68 rating makes exposure to water from pools or the ocean generally safe, saltwater and chlorinated water can degrade protection over time. Thus, rinsing your iPhone 16 with fresh water while exercising caution and drying it thoroughly after such exposure is something you should do immediately.
Activities to avoid with iPhone 16 and 16 Pro
Even though the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro can withstand submersion up to a certain limit, exposing the iPhones to certain water activities can still lead to irreplaceable damage. Here are some water activities during which you shouldn’t use your iPhone 16:
- Exposure to high-pressure water: No matter what level of water resistance the iPhone 16 has, it is not designed to handle high-pressure or high-velocity water, such as that from a shower, hose, or jet in a pool.
- Extended submersion: While the iPhone 16 can survive brief immersion, any activity that involved prolonged exposure to water or submersion deeper than 6 meters can compromise its water resistance.
- Underwater photography beyond recommended depth: Although the iPhone 16 can capture breathtaking underwater shots, using it for underwater photography beyond 6-meter depth can lead to water seepage. However, if you still need to, using a specialized waterproof case is recommended.
- Hot tubs and saunas: The temperature changes in hot tubs or saunas can weaken the iPhone 16’s water resistance over time by weakening its adhesive seals, making it more susceptible to future water damage.
Apple’s warranty policy on water damage
Like every other smartphone brand, Apple’s policy for water damage is also straightforward: water or liquid damage is not covered under the standard warranty or AppleCare+. Even though the iPhone 16 boasts an impressive IP68 rating, the Cupertino tech giant has made it clear that liquid is not covered under warranty by any means.
This means that no matter if your iPhone 16 is under a limited warranty, AppleCare+ coverage, or out of warranty, the repair or replacement cost will be borne by you if the iPhone is water-damaged. (Considering the kind of damage your iPhone has, you may be able to get it repaired for a reduced cost in some cases.)
Now, you might be wondering why Apple’s limited warranty does not cover liquid damage. Well, it is because the IP68 rating is only tested under controlled scenarios and not under real-world scenarios, where factors like water pressure, temperature change, and prolonged submission come into play. Overtime exposure to these factors can weaken the iPhone’s ability to resist dust and water, making your iPhone more susceptible to water damage, which Apple isn’t responsible for.
What to do if your iPhone 16 gets wet?
While you already know what water activities you must avoid with your iPhone 16, there are a few steps you should and should not do if you get your iPhone 16 or 16 Pro wet:
- As soon as you take your iPhone out of the water, immediately power it off and use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat and dry it.
- Strictly refrain from using any form of heating element, such as a hairdryer or any form of compressed air, as it might damage the internal components.
- Use a Q-tip to remove any excess water still present inside the charging port or on the speaker grills.
- Again, do not put your wet iPhone under uncooked rice, as Apple has strictly advised against it.
- Make sure your iPhone is completely dry before turning it on again.
- Once your iPhone 16 Pro powers on, use the Water Eject shortcut to get water out of your iPhone’s speakers.
Now that you know what measures you should undertake if your iPhone gets wet, here is a list of waterproof cases for iPhone 16 that you can use to protect your device during underwater activities:
- Ghostek iPhone 16 Nautical waterproof case
- Cozycase iPhone 16 waterproof case
- Punkcase iPhone 16 Kickstud 2.0 waterproof case
- Sportlink iPhone 16 waterproof case
- Spigen AquaShield Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
Signing off…
That is all you need to know about the water resistance capability of the iPhone series. While all the iPhone models in the series have robust water resistance, you should exercise caution and be aware of its limitations to avoid costly repairs, as water damage isn’t covered by warranty.
Feel free to contact us via comments if you still have some queries.
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