Is the iPhone 15 Waterproof? Everything You Need to Know
The iPhone 15, like its predecessors, comes with advanced water and dust resistance. If you’re wondering whether it’s waterproof and to what extent, here’s everything you need to know about how much water it can handle, its limitations, and how to care for your device to avoid potential damage.
Is the iPhone 15 Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
The iPhone 15 is not truly “waterproof,” but it is water-resistant. Apple has equipped the iPhone 15 with an IP68 rating under the IEC standard 60529, which means the phone can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. This level of protection makes the iPhone 15 highly resistant to accidental spills, splashes, and brief underwater exposure.
However, it’s important to note that this resistance may diminish over time due to wear and tear. Apple also states that their warranty does not cover liquid damage, so it’s wise to take precautions even though the iPhone 15 is water-resistant.
Water Resistance Limits of the iPhone 15
While the IP68 rating provides substantial protection, there are still limits to how much water exposure the iPhone 15 can handle. The phone’s water resistance is designed for:
- Freshwater exposure: Brief exposure in pools, showers, or accidental spills.
- Submersion depth: Up to 6 meters for no longer than 30 minutes.
However, there are factors that can affect the phone’s ability to resist water:
- Saltwater: Saltwater is more corrosive than freshwater. Taking the iPhone 15 into the ocean, for example, can lead to quicker damage due to the salt content.
- Chlorine: Swimming pools contain chlorine, which can also degrade the water-resistant seals over time.
- Extreme water pressures: High water pressures, such as those found in deep waters or heavy rainstorms, can potentially push water through the device’s seals.
- Water temperature: Extremely hot or cold water can affect the integrity of the device, so it’s best to avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures.
What You Should Do
If your iPhone 15 is exposed to water, here are a few steps to take to ensure that it remains in good condition:
- Rinse with fresh water: If the iPhone 15 comes into contact with saltwater or chlorine (from a pool), rinse it with fresh water as soon as possible. Salt and chlorine can damage the water-resistant seals.
- Dry the device thoroughly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the device. Be sure to dry out the ports, such as the charging port, as water can remain trapped and cause damage.
- Let the device air-dry: After drying the surface, leave the phone in an upright position and let it air dry. Avoid charging the phone or inserting accessories until it’s fully dry (at least 5 hours after contact).
- Use silica gel: If the phone has been submerged in water, placing it in a sealed container with silica gel packets can help absorb moisture from the interior.
What You Should Avoid
Even though the iPhone 15 is water-resistant, there are certain things you should avoid doing to prevent accidental water damage:
- Do not charge the iPhone while it’s wet: Water inside the charging port can short-circuit the device, potentially causing irreparable damage. Always ensure that the device and the port are completely dry before charging.
- Avoid taking the phone into the ocean or pool for extended periods: Prolonged exposure to salt or chlorine will compromise the phone’s water-resistant seals over time.
- Don’t expose the phone to high-velocity water: This includes activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, or diving, as the water pressure can exceed the phone’s resistance.
- Don’t intentionally submerge the phone: While the iPhone 15 can survive accidental submersion, regularly using it underwater, such as for underwater photography, can wear down the protective seals.
Conclusion
The iPhone 15 offers excellent water resistance with its IP68 rating, providing ample protection against accidental water exposure. However, it’s important to treat the device with care and avoid situations that could lead to water damage. Remember, while the phone can withstand brief underwater moments, Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid damage, so it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to water exposure.