The iPhone 13 and subsequent models have been marketed as “splash, water, and dust resistant.” However, with so many terms, it can be hard to determine what waterproof and water-resistant actually mean. So, is the iPhone 13 waterproof?
The iPhone 13 and subsequent models are not entirely waterproof. These devices have an IP Rating of IP68, meaning they’re completely dust resistant and can handle 6 meters (about 19.6 feet) of water submersion for up to 30 minutes without any damage.
Don’t panic if you’ve dropped your iPhone in the water or you’re hitting the beach soon. The iPhone 13 is reasonably protected against water, but there are considerations to keep in mind. So now let’s learn more about what your iPhone can endure with water.
Explaining Water Resistance Ratings
There is a difference between water-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof ratings, making it difficult to gauge the security of your device. Thankfully, there’s a standardized rating scale known as the “IEC Standard 60529,” or IP Rating for short.
And, while we’re going to go into all of the details and make sure you are confident in an answer on this question, we want to go ahead and point out that you can add waterproofing capacity to your phone. You can do this with a waterproof case or simply a generic waterproof phone pouch (on Amazon).
What Is an IP Rating?
IP Ratings refer to “Ingress Protection” and determine how well a device is protected from solid objects and liquids. IP Ratings consist of two digits and look like this, ’IP68’.
The first digit indicates how well a device is protected from solid objects. The second digit indicates the water resistance. The higher the numbers, the more protection a device has.
IP Ratings are only distributed to products that go through specific tests by certified companies, meaning these measurements are trustworthy.
IP Ratings for Solid Objects and Debris
The first number in an IP Rating ranges from 0-6, indicating the device’s protection from solid objects or debris.
- IP0X: The device is not secured against any physical objects or debris.
- IP1X: The device is only protected against objects larger than 50 mm.
- IP2X: The device is protected from objects larger than 12.55 mm, including fingers.
- IP3X: The device is protected from objects larger than 2.5 mm, including some tools and wires.
- IP4X: The device is protected against objects larger than 1 mm.
- IP5X: The device is now dust resistant.
- IP6X: The product is fully resistant to dust, debris, and objects.
IP Ratings for Liquids
The second number in IP Rating ranges from 0-9 and indicates the device’s protection from liquids.
- IPX0: The device isn’t protected from the liquid.
- IPX1: The device is protected from liquid drips.
- IPX2: The device can resist water that hits it at a 15° angle or less.
- IPX3: The device can handle liquid sprays of up to 60°.
- IPX4: The product can handle water splashes from all directions.
- IPX5: The item can resist sustained, low-pressure liquid sprays.
- IPX6: The device can handle a high-impact spray of liquid.
- IPX7: The device can be submerged under 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- IPX8: The product can be submerged deeper than 1 meter; the manufacturer will note the specific depth.
- IPX9K: The device can handle high-impact, high-temperature liquid sprays nearby.
So, is the iPhone 13 Waterproof?
The iPhone 13 and subsequent models are not completely waterproof. The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max have an IP Rating of IP68.
This rating means the device is completely dust resistant and can handle over 1 meter of water submersion, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Apple notes that the iPhone 13 and subsequent models can handle 6 meters (around 19.6 feet) of water submersion for up to 30 minutes without any damage. However, the device may accrue moisture damage if it’s previously cracked, dented, or physically compromised.
Is it Okay to Take Your iPhone 13 in the Shower?
Taking your iPhone 13 or subsequent models into the shower is unsafe. These devices have an IP68 rating, meaning they’re resistant to accidental spills and up to 6 meters of water immersion for 30 minutes. Some other situations to avoid moisture damage include:
- Taking your iPhone into a swimming pool or bath
- Exposing your device to high-pressure water sprays like jet skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, etc.
- Taking your iPhone into a sauna or steam room.
- Deliberately submerging your device in water.
- Using your iPhone outside the specified temperature ranges or in high humidity.
- Damaging your device due to impact.
- Taking your iPhone apart or unscrewing components.
Note: Splashes and dust resistance are not considered permanent conditions, and protection can reduce from everyday use. Moisture damage is not covered under the Apple warranty.
What Do You Do if You Dropped Your iPhone 13 in Water?
Don’t panic if you drop your iPhone 13 in the water. Here are some measures you can take to prevent or reduce damage:
- If you splash soda, tea, or liquids other than water on your iPhone, rinse the area with tap water.
- Dry your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth like a lens cloth.
- Ensure your device is completely dry before opening the SIM tray.
You can gently tap your device against your palm with the Lighting connector facing down to remove excess moisture. Be sure to leave your device in a dry area with adequate airflow. In some cases, you can place your device in front of a fan blowing directly into the Lighting connector.
Note: Do not dry your iPhone with an external heat source or insert foreign objects, like a Q-tip or cotton ball, into the Lighting connector.