New iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof — and that distinction matters
Apple does not call any iPhone waterproof. The company uses the term water-resistant, which means the phone can survive accidental splashes and brief submersion, but not intentional water exposure or prolonged soaking. An iPhone 15, for example, can handle being dropped in a pool for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters. An iPhone 14 or earlier model typically handles 6 meters for 30 minutes as well, though the exact depth and duration vary by model year.
The difference between water-resistant and waterproof is real and practical. Waterproof means nothing gets in, ever — a waterproof case or a waterproof watch is sealed completely. Water-resistant means water can get in under certain conditions, but the phone is built to survive those specific conditions. Once you exceed those conditions — leaving it underwater longer, dropping it deeper, or exposing it to saltwater or chlorinated water — the protection breaks down.
Key Takeaways
- Apple rates iPhones as water-resistant to a specific depth and duration (usually 6 meters for 30 minutes), not waterproof.
- Water resistance degrades over time as seals wear out, so an older iPhone is less protected than a new one, even if the rating is the same.
- Saltwater, chlorinated water, and hot water can damage water-resistant phones faster than fresh water, and Apple does not cover water damage under standard warranty.
- The water-resistant rating applies only to the phone itself — charging ports, speakers, and microphones can still be damaged by water exposure.
How Apple rates water resistance on current models
Apple assigns each iPhone a rating based on the IP code system, which measures dust and water resistance. The second number in the code tells you about water. An iPhone 15 carries an IP69 rating, meaning it resists water jets and brief submersion. An iPhone 14 or 13 carries an IP68 rating, which is slightly less stringent but still covers accidental drops in water.
The rating comes with specific conditions: fresh water only, no pressure jets, and a maximum depth and time. Apple publishes these limits in the technical specifications for each model. If you exceed them — say, you take your phone snorkeling or leave it in a hot tub — you have left the tested conditions and the protection no longer applies. Apple's warranty explicitly excludes water damage, so a phone damaged by water beyond the rated conditions is your cost to repair.
Why water resistance fades as your phone ages
Water resistance depends on tiny seals around the screen, charging port, and internal components. These seals are made of rubber or silicone and degrade with normal use. Dropping your phone, exposing it to temperature changes, or even just opening and closing the device can wear these seals down. After a year or two, a phone that was rated for 6 meters of water resistance may only survive a brief splash.
Apple does not publish a timeline for how long seals last, and the company does not replace seals as part of standard repair. If your phone is out of warranty and the seals have degraded, water damage repair is expensive — often more than the cost of a new phone. This is why older iPhones are riskier around water, even if they carried the same rating when new.
Types of water that damage phones faster
Fresh water is the least damaging. Saltwater and chlorinated water corrode the internal metal components much faster because they conduct electricity and react chemically with the materials inside. A phone that survives 30 minutes in a swimming pool may fail in 30 seconds in the ocean. Hot water — from a hot tub, shower, or steam — can also degrade seals and cause internal damage faster than cold water.
Soap and shampoo are also problematic. They break down the oils that help seals stay flexible, so a phone exposed to shower water or dishwater is at higher risk than one exposed to plain water. If your phone does get exposed to saltwater, chlorine, or soap, rinse it with fresh water as soon as possible and let it dry completely before using it again.
What parts of your iPhone are not water-resistant
The phone body and screen are protected, but the charging port, speaker grilles, and microphone openings are not sealed the same way. Water can enter through these openings and damage the components behind them. A phone that survives being dropped in water may still have a speaker that crackles or a microphone that stops working because water got in through those gaps.
The SIM card tray is also a weak point. If you open it to swap SIM cards and then when ready submerge the phone, water can enter through that slot. Apple recommends letting the phone dry completely before opening any ports or trays after water exposure.
How to protect your phone if you plan to be near water
If you regularly swim, work near water, or want extra protection, a waterproof case offers true waterproofing — the phone stays completely dry inside. Cases like those made by OtterBox or Lifeproof seal the phone completely and are rated for depths much greater than the phone alone. They add bulk and make the screen harder to use, but they eliminate water risk entirely.
A less bulky option is a waterproof pouch or dry bag, which costs less and takes up less space. These are plastic bags that seal with a zipper or roll-top closure and let you use the phone through the plastic. They work well for occasional water exposure but are not as durable as a hard case if you drop the phone.
If you do not plan to be in water, the phone's built-in water resistance is enough for everyday life — rain, spilled drinks, and accidental drops in the sink are all covered. Just avoid intentional submersion and saltwater.
What happens if your iPhone gets water damage
If your phone gets wet beyond the rated conditions, the first step is to power it off and let it dry for at least 48 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not use heat like a hair dryer, which can push water deeper inside. Do not charge it or plug anything into the ports until it is completely dry.
If the phone does not work after drying, or if you see corrosion inside the charging port, water damage has occurred. Apple's standard warranty does not cover this, so repair costs depend on what failed. A speaker or microphone replacement might cost $50 to $100. Damage to the logic board or battery can cost $300 or more. In many cases, it is cheaper to replace the phone than to repair it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my iPhone underwater to take photos?
Yes, within the rated limits — usually 6 meters for 30 minutes. But the phone must be new or nearly new for the seals to hold. Older phones are riskier. Saltwater and chlorinated pools are harder on the seals than fresh water, so a lake is safer than the ocean. If you plan to do this regularly, a waterproof case is a better choice.
Does AppleCare cover water damage?
No. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage like drops and cracks, but not water damage. Water damage is considered a result of misuse, not an accident. If your phone is damaged by water, you pay the full repair cost, which is usually $300 to $500 depending on the damage.
Is my iPhone still water-resistant if I dropped it?
Probably, but less so. A hard drop can crack the internal seals even if the screen looks fine. If you drop your phone and then expose it to water, watch for signs of damage like crackling speakers or a foggy camera lens. If those appear, the seals were compromised.
What should I do if my iPhone gets wet?
Power it off when ready, do not charge it, and let it dry in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours. Do not use heat. If it was exposed to saltwater or soap, rinse the outside with fresh water first. If it does not work after drying, take it to Apple or a repair shop — do not keep trying to use it.
Is a waterproof case worth it if my iPhone is already water-resistant?
It depends on your use. If you rarely go near water, the phone's built-in protection is enough. If you swim, work near water, or want to take underwater photos regularly, a waterproof case removes all risk and costs less than repairing water damage.