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iPhone Water Resistance Explained: What IP67 and IP68 Actually Mean

Every iPhone since the iPhone 7 has carried some level of water resistance. But what do those IP67 and IP68 ratings actually mean in practice? More importantly, what are the limits that Apple doesn't emphasize in their marketing? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about your iPhone's relationship with water.

What IP Ratings Mean

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The two digits after "IP" each represent a different type of protection:

• First digit (6): Dust protection. A rating of 6 means the device is completely dust-tight. All modern iPhones share this rating.
• Second digit (7 or 8): Water protection. This is where models differ. A 7 means protection against temporary submersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), while an 8 indicates protection against continuous submersion beyond 1 meter.

IP Ratings by iPhone Model

Here is how Apple's IP ratings break down across iPhone generations:

IP67 (1 meter, 30 minutes): iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).

IP68 (2 meters, 30 minutes): iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max.

IP68 (4 meters, 30 minutes): iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.

IP68 (6 meters, 30 minutes): iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 16 series, and their Pro variants.

As you can see, the IP68 label alone doesn't tell the full story. Apple has progressively increased the depth rating with each generation while keeping the same IP68 designation.

The Limits Apple Doesn't Emphasize

IP ratings are tested under controlled laboratory conditions using still, fresh water at room temperature. Real life is very different. Here are the key limitations:

• Water resistance degrades over time. The adhesive seals inside your iPhone weaken with drops, temperature changes, and normal wear. A two-year-old phone is less water resistant than a new one.
• Saltwater and chlorine are more corrosive than fresh water. Pool water, ocean water, and soapy water all pose greater risk than the lab conditions used for testing.
• Water damage is not covered by warranty. Despite the IP rating, Apple's warranty explicitly excludes liquid damage. Your iPhone has internal liquid contact indicators that turn red when exposed to moisture.
• Pressure matters. A shower jet, a water slide, or jumping into a pool generates far more pressure than static submersion in a lab test.

What to Do If Water Gets Inside

Even with water resistance, moisture can find its way into your iPhone through speaker grilles, microphone ports, and the charging port. If this happens, act quickly:

1. Remove your iPhone from water immediately and hold it with the Lightning or USB-C port facing down to let gravity help drain excess liquid.
2. Gently tap the phone against your palm with the port facing downward to encourage water to exit.
3. Do not use a hair dryer or compressed air. The heat can damage internal components, and pressurized air can push water deeper into the device.
4. Do not insert anything into the charging port or speaker grilles. Cotton swabs leave fibers, and pins can damage contacts.
5. Use sound frequencies to eject water from speakers. Apps like WaveFix play specific low-frequency tones that create vibrations to push water droplets out of the speaker grilles safely and effectively.
6. Wait before charging. Apple recommends waiting at least 5 hours before connecting a cable. If you see a liquid detected warning, don't override it.

Water Resistance vs. Waterproof

No iPhone is waterproof. There is an important distinction between water resistant and water proof. Waterproof means impervious to water under all conditions. Water resistant means the device can handle some water exposure under specific conditions. Your iPhone falls into the second category.

This distinction matters because people often take unnecessary risks with their phones after hearing about IP68 ratings. Swimming with your iPhone, using it in the shower, or filming underwater without a dedicated case are all gambles that may not pay off, especially with an older device.

Keeping Your iPhone Protected

Even though your iPhone has built-in water resistance, taking preventive measures is always the smarter approach. Consider using a waterproof pouch at the beach or pool, avoid charging your phone if the port is damp, and never intentionally submerge your phone for photos or video without a rated waterproof case. For more detailed prevention strategies, check out our guide on 10 tips to protect your phone from water damage.

Water resistance is a valuable safety net, but it works best as a backup rather than a feature you rely on daily. Treat your iPhone like the expensive electronics device it is, and the water resistance will be there when you actually need it.