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No iPhone is waterproof. Recent models are water resistant, which is different, and that resistance fades over time. Here's what the IP ratings mean, how deep each model was tested, what Apple says to avoid, and why liquid damage still isn't covered by the warranty.
Key takeaways
- iPhones from the 7 onward have IP67 or IP68 ratings, tested in controlled lab conditions.
- iPhone 12 and later (including iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e) are rated IP68 to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
- Seals degrade over time and after drops, so older phones are less protected.
- Liquid damage isn't covered by Apple's standard warranty.
Water resistant vs. waterproof
"Waterproof" suggests no water can ever get in. "Water resistant" means a device resisted water under specific test conditions. Apple uses "splash, water, and dust resistant" and notes that its models were tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Real life, with chlorine, salt, soap, pressure and drops, is harsher.
What IP67 and IP68 mean
IP ratings come from the international standard IEC 60529. The first digit rates dust protection (6 is the highest: dust-tight). The second rates water: 7 means protected against temporary immersion (typically up to 1 meter), and 8 means protected beyond that, under conditions set by the manufacturer. That's why two IP68 phones can have different depth ratings.
Ratings by iPhone model
According to Apple:
| Model | Rating | Max depth tested | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e | IP68 | 6 m | 30 min |
| iPhone 12 through 16 series, including 16e | IP68 | 6 m | 30 min |
| iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | IP68 | 4 m | 30 min |
| iPhone 11, XS, XS Max | IP68 | 2 m | 30 min |
| iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, SE (2nd and 3rd gen) | IP67 | 1 m | 30 min |
| iPhone 6s and earlier, SE (1st gen) | No IP rating | n/a | n/a |
Apple also says iPhone XR, XS and later models are resistant to accidental spills from common liquids such as soda, beer, coffee, tea and juice.
Resistance wears off
Seals degrade over time and after drops. Apple states that splash, water and dust resistance "are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear." Heat, impacts, screen or battery repairs, and opening the phone can all weaken the seals. A three-year-old phone that's been dropped a few times shouldn't be trusted near water the way a new one might.
What Apple says to avoid
To prevent liquid damage, Apple advises avoiding: - Swimming or bathing with your iPhone. - Pressurized or high-velocity water, such as showering, water skiing, surfing or jet skiing. - Saunas and steam rooms. - Intentionally submerging your iPhone. - Using it outside recommended temperatures or in extremely humid conditions. - Drops and impacts, and disassembly.
Apple also recommends minimizing exposure to soap, detergent, acids, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil and solvents.
Warranty
Liquid damage is generally not covered by the standard warranty. Apple says liquid damage isn't covered, though you might have rights under consumer law. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, including liquid, for a service fee. See does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
Can you take underwater photos?
Apple's guidance is to avoid intentionally submerging your iPhone, so it's not designed for underwater photography. If you want pool or snorkeling photos, use a waterproof pouch or housing rated for the depth, or a dedicated waterproof camera.
If your iPhone gets wet anyway
- Rinse with tap water if it was exposed to something other than plain water, then wipe dry.
- Tap it gently with the port facing down and leave it to dry with airflow.
- Wait at least 5 hours before charging with a cable.
- Don't use rice, heat or compressed air.
Full steps: dropped your iPhone in the pool?
Cases and accessories
Many cases add drop protection but not water protection, and some can trap water against the phone. Fully sealed waterproof cases exist, but follow the maker's instructions and test them first without the phone inside. Also remember that a SIM tray that's not fully closed or a cracked back glass can let water in.
Water resistance after a repair
If your iPhone has had a screen, battery or back-glass repair, its water resistance depends on whether the repair restored the seals. Apple and authorized service providers replace adhesive seals as part of standard repairs, but a phone opened by anyone may not perform like new. Treat any repaired or older iPhone as less resistant than its original rating and keep it away from pools, showers and baths.
Spills vs. submersion
A coffee spill on an iPhone XR or later is something Apple says the phone is designed to resist. Wipe it off, rinse with tap water if it's sticky, and dry it. A drop into a pool, bath or the sea is a much bigger test, especially with chemicals, salt or depth involved. That's when the full drying steps matter most.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my iPhone swimming?
Apple advises against swimming or bathing with your iPhone. Water resistance is tested in lab conditions and decreases over time.
How deep can an iPhone go underwater?
iPhone 12 and later are rated IP68 to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes in lab tests. Older models have lower ratings. Apple still advises against intentional submersion.
Is the iPhone 17 waterproof?
No iPhone is waterproof. The iPhone 17 lineup is rated IP68, tested to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes, which makes it water resistant, not waterproof.
Does water resistance wear off on iPhones?
Yes. Apple says resistance isn't permanent and might decrease as a result of normal wear. Drops and repairs can weaken the seals.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.