The short answer: newer iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof

Apple does not call any iPhone waterproof. The company uses the term water-resistant, which means the phone can survive brief contact with water but will fail if submerged for too long or exposed to high pressure. The difference matters because waterproof means water cannot get in under any normal circumstance. Water-resistant means water probably will not get in during everyday use, but it might under certain conditions.

Every iPhone model from the iPhone 12 onward carries an IP68 rating. This is a standardized test that tells you exactly what the phone can handle: it survived 30 minutes in fresh water at a depth of 6 meters (about 20 feet). That is the limit. Saltwater, chlorinated pools, soap, and pressure from a shower or faucet are not part of that test, and the phone may fail in those conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Water-resistant means the phone survives brief water contact but will fail if submerged too long or exposed to pressure — it is not the same as waterproof.
  • iPhone 12 and newer models have an IP68 rating, meaning they survived a test of 30 minutes in fresh water at 6 meters depth.
  • Saltwater, chlorinated pools, hot water, and high-pressure water like shower jets are not covered by the IP68 test and can damage the phone.
  • The water-resistant seal degrades over time and after repairs, so a phone that survived water last year may not survive it this year.

What the IP68 rating actually tested

The IP68 test is run by an independent lab, not by Apple. The phone sits in fresh water at room temperature for 30 minutes while submerged 6 meters deep. That is it. The test does not involve movement, pressure, salt, heat, or soap. It does not test what happens if you drop the phone in a pool and leave it there for an hour. It does not test a shower, a dishwasher, or a wave hitting you at the beach.

The rating tells you the phone passed one specific test. It does not tell you the phone will survive every water situation you encounter. Many people have damaged iPhones in conditions that seem less harsh than a 6-meter submersion — a shower, a splash of saltwater, or a dunk in a chlorinated pool. Those failures happen because the real-world condition was different from the test condition in a way that matters.

Why water-resistant is not waterproof

A waterproof phone would have no openings and no moving parts. It would be sealed completely. No iPhone is sealed completely — the speaker has tiny holes, the microphone has tiny holes, and the charging port (on older models) or the seams around buttons have gaps. Water can get through those gaps if the pressure is high enough or if the water is moving fast enough.

The seals that keep water out are made of rubber and adhesive. Both degrade over time. A phone that survived water when it was new may not survive the same water exposure two years later. The seals also degrade after any repair — if you have had the screen replaced, the back opened, or the battery swapped, the water resistance is compromised. Apple does not may provide water resistance after any repair that breaks the seal.

Conditions that can damage a water-resistant iPhone

Saltwater is the most common culprit. The IP68 test uses fresh water. Saltwater is more conductive and more corrosive, and it can reach components that fresh water cannot. If you use your iPhone at the beach or near the ocean, rinse it with fresh water when ready afterward, even if it seems fine.

Chlorinated water and hot water also cause problems. Chlorine is a chemical, not just water, and it can degrade seals faster than fresh water. Hot water — from a shower, a hot tub, or a dishwasher — can soften the rubber seals and let water seep in. High-pressure water, like a shower jet or a garden hose, can force water through gaps that would hold back still water.

Soap and shampoo are chemicals too. Washing your hands and then when ready using your phone is fine. Deliberately soaping up your phone or using it in the shower while lathering is not. The soap can break down the seals or leave residue that attracts water.

How to protect your water-resistant iPhone

The simplest approach is to treat your iPhone as water-resistant for accidents, not water-proof for activities. If you drop it in a toilet or a puddle, it will probably be fine. If you want to use it in the pool, in the shower, or at the beach, use a waterproof case instead. A waterproof case is actually waterproof because it seals the phone completely inside a separate container.

If your phone does get wet, power it off when ready and let it dry for at least 24 hours before turning it back on. Do not use heat to dry it — a hair dryer or an oven will damage the internal components. If water got inside (you see condensation under the screen or the phone stops working), take it to an Apple Store or a certified repair shop. Do not try to open it yourself.

Water resistance on older iPhone models

The iPhone 11 has an IP68 rating like the newer models, but it was tested to 2 meters for 30 minutes, not 6 meters. The iPhone XS and XS Max have IP68 ratings at 2 meters. The iPhone XR has an IP67 rating, which means 1 meter for 30 minutes. The iPhone X and older models have no water-resistance rating at all — they are not sealed against water.

If you own an older iPhone, assume it is not water-resistant. Even brief water contact can damage it. If you need water resistance, a waterproof case is your only option.

What happens if water gets inside your iPhone

Water inside the phone will corrode the circuit board and the battery. The damage may not show up when ready — the phone might work fine for a few days and then suddenly stop charging, lose audio, or shut down randomly. Once water has reached the internal components, the damage is permanent. The phone may work again after drying, but the corrosion will continue slowly, and the phone will eventually fail.

Apple's warranty does not cover water damage, even on water-resistant models. If your phone gets wet and stops working, repair will cost between $300 and $600 depending on the model. Some third-party repair shops charge less, but they may not use genuine parts or provide a warranty on the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my iPhone underwater while snorkeling?

Not safely. The IP68 test is for still water at a specific depth. Snorkeling involves movement, pressure changes, and often saltwater. A waterproof case designed for underwater use is the right tool for that activity. A bare iPhone will likely fail.

Is my iPhone safe in the shower?

Probably not. The IP68 test does not include high-pressure water or hot water. A shower jet can force water through seals that would hold back still water. If you want to use your phone in the shower, keep it away from the direct spray and rinse it with fresh water afterward.

What should I do if my iPhone gets wet?

Power it off when ready and let it dry for at least 24 hours in a warm, dry place. Do not use heat. If you see condensation under the screen or the phone stops working, take it to an Apple Store. Do not try to open it or use compressed air to dry it.

Does AppleCare cover water damage?

No. AppleCare covers hardware failures and accidental damage like drops, but water damage is excluded. If your phone is damaged by water, you will pay out of pocket for repair.

Will my iPhone still be water-resistant after I get the screen replaced?

Not fully. Any repair that opens the phone compromises the seals. Apple and certified repair shops will re-seal the phone, but the water resistance may not be as strong as it was originally. Treat the phone as less water-resistant after any repair.