Apple worked hard in recent years to make a waterproof iPhone . The latest models can survive being submerged in up to 6.5 feet of water for half an hour. And last year’s handsets are almost as water resistant.
One iPhone X user has cause to be grateful.
A Reddit user calling himself lorislongfellow tells how his handset ended up in the briny deep:
“We decided to take the iPhone out to take some photos of us kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on the beach (yes probably a stupid idea). So I had my iPhone in my pocket as I got up on the stand up paddle board and I fell backwards into the water. That was when it struck me. My phone was no longer in my pocket.”
He searched underwater but couldn’t find it among the rocks on the sea floor. And he couldn’t call it bcause water blocks radio signals of all types.
lorislongfellow went on with his day, including successfully proposing to his girlfriend, then thought again about his iPhone X:
“When we finally returned home I decided to try find my iPhone again. This was T+8 hours post fall into water. The tide had gone out a bit so I was hoping that the seas would part and my phone would get signal again. Lo and behold I got a signal!
So we raced down to the beach and I played the sonar sound through find my iPhone and was able to locate it amongst the rocks. To my surprise it was in perfect working condition!”
That much time in salt water is well beyond what the iPhone X is rated for, but miracles do occur.
A waterproof iPhone is a myth
For those who like to get technical, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have a rating of IP68 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes). The iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus have a rating of IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes).
Nevertheless, Apple urges users to not deliberately get their handset wet. Its statement on splash and water resistance says that to prevent damage you should avoid “swimming or bathing with your iPhone” and “intentionally submerging your iPhone in water.”
The situation is different for the Apple Watch. Every model but the first one can be used in the pool or ocean, but not scuba diving. We even have tips for swimming with your Apple Watch.
The only rule for swimming with your iPhone is: Don’t Do It. There’s no such things as a waterproof iPhone.
