Is the iPhone 13 Waterproof?
Last Updated on by Daniel Lawrence
The iPhone 13 has been announced at a media event and many are saying that this device is waterproof. Is it true? Here’s what we know.
Is the iPhone 13 a water-resistant device?
The iPhone 13 isn’t totally waterproof, so don’t expect it to be. All iPhone 13 models, however, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, have an IP68 classification for water protection.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60529 standard defines IP ratings, which indicate how well devices resist dust and moisture. For electronics, IP ratings are the industry standard. IP ratings can be found on headphones, smartwatches, and a variety of other personal electronics.
There are two elements to IPs:
- Dust protection: The first number on the scale ranges from no protection (zero) to completely sealed off (six).
- Moisture resistance: The second value ranges from no seal (zero) to complete protection from multiple angles of water pressure—including hot water (nine).
The IP68 designation on the iPhone 13 signifies that it is dust-resistant and water-resistant, but not completely waterproof.
What does that imply in practice? Whether you put your phone in a pool by mistake or take it into the water on purpose, your iPhone 13 should be fine.
Apple claims that all four iPhone 13 models can be immersed and protected for up to 30 minutes in water up to 6 meters deep.
Is there a water-resistant iPhone?
Although no iPhone is completely waterproof, numerous versions after the iPhone 7 have water resistance. Several recent iPhone models have water resistance that is comparable to or better than that of the iPhone 13.
The following models all have the same IP68 resistance against spillage, dust, and depth is up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple recommends gently tapping your iPhone against your hand with the charger pointing downward to dry it if it has been exposed to or dunked in water. You should also avoid charging or using your iPhone’s Lightning port until it’s completely dry.
Some iPhones have the IP68 rating as well, although they can’t be submerged as deeply. These variants provide IP68 protection for 30 minutes in up to 4-meter depths:
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
Other iPhones can only endure 2-meter depths for a maximum of 30 minutes. This list includes the following items:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
With an IP67 designation, several previous iPhones reduced their water-resistance even more. This grade provides dust protection as well as 30-minute submersion in 1-meter depths.
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
With an IP67 designation, several previous iPhones reduced their water-resistance even more. This grade provides dust protection as well as 30-minute submersion in 1-meter depths.
Is the iPhone 13 capable of taking underwater photos?
While iPhone 13 models can withstand submersion in 6-meter depths for 30 minutes, you should probably think twice before taking your phone diving without protection.
Nothing should be left to chance. Invest in a waterproof case for your iPhone 13 to protect it from the elements.
In shallow water, a simple plastic case may suffice. Depending on the type of images you wish to take, heavier-duty aluminum cases with a totally waterproof seal or mounting systems and lens attachments maybe even better.
