It's hard to imagine life without a smartphone. Whether in everyday life, for work or hobbies, we use our smartphones for everything. In order to be able to use the iPhone for years, it is important to know which dangers you should rather not expose your iPhone to. This is exactly where the question arises: Is my iPhone 12 actually waterproof? Or is it water-resistant? Where exactly the difference lies and whether you can take your iPhone 12 with you to the beach or even into the water, we have explained in this blog post!
What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof?
First of all, it is important to know what exactly waterproof and water resistant mean. The words 'waterproof' and 'water-resistant' are often used as synonyms, but this is incorrect. We will explain here what exactly the difference is and whether your iPhone 12 is water resistant or waterproof.
What does waterproof mean?
Although it may not sound like it, waterproof is the lowest level of water protection. Waterproof actually only means that a device has been designed in such a way that water cannot penetrate the device or that this is made more difficult. Since there are different levels of water resistance, waterproof therefore does not mean that the penetration of water can be avoided 100%. A low level of water resistance can mean that the smartphone is only covered with a protective layer, for example, which ensures that small amounts of water 'roll off'. This increases the smartphone's chance of survival should it briefly come into contact with a small amount of water, such as sweat during sports or a bit of rain.
What does water-resistant mean?
The terms water-resistant and waterproof are often used to describe smartphones or other devices. However, it is important to know that this term does not have a uniform definition or, at the current time, no industry standard has been set for the water resistance of a technical device. The closest standard currently available is the Ingress Protection Rating Scale (or IP code).
What kind of water protection do iPhones have?
Apple has offered water protection for its iPhones since the iPhone 7. It is important to know the IP codes because they provide more detailed information about the respective protection.
Which iPhones have IP67?
The first iPhone models that were equipped with water protection had the IP67 label. Since then, there have been other levels of protection and currently Apple has the standard of IP68. All models that 'only' have protection marked IP67 are:
- iPhone SE 2020
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
How well is an iPhone with IP67 protected against water?
IP67 does not mean that you can go diving with your iPhone and take cool pictures underwater. Even though the IP67 rating proves water protection, you have to pay attention to certain factors. IP67 simply means that your iPhone can withstand a maximum of 30 minutes underwater at a maximum depth of 1 meter. However, this protection wears off after a few years or possibly even months.
Which iPhones have IP68?
Since the iPhone 11 series, iPhones have been equipped with the higher IP68 protection standard. These iPhones have the IP68 protection level:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
How well is an iPhone with IP68 protected against water?
The IP68 protection is a level above IP67. The 6 means that the device is completely protected against dust. The 8 means that the device can easily survive some time under water. Apple itself says that iPhones with IP68 can easily survive a maximum of 30 minutes at a depth of up to 4 meters.
Conclusion for the iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 is therefore equipped with the IP68 rating. We explained what this means above. However, it is important to note that Apple itself does not recommend that you specifically use your iPhone underwater. Even though water is no longer a big danger for your iPhone, it can still cause damage. It is especially important to note that the water protection decreases after a few years.
Is Apple allowed to advertise the iPhone 12 as waterproof?
Since Apple iPhones offer a certain standard of water protection, they can of course advertise this. However, it is important to note that Apple is also not allowed to claim that their iPhones are completely waterproof. They have already been warned in Italy for this very reason. You can read an interesting report about this here.
Is Apple liable for water damage?
No! Apple has integrated a chip into all iPhones, which are very sensitive to water. This lets the Apple employee see immediately if liquids have penetrated the iPhone. Since the water protection can weaken after long use of the iPhone, you therefore no longer have a warranty, even if you really only used the iPhone for 30 minutes under water.
How do I really protect my iPhone 12 from water?
If you want to be on the safe side or really want to use your iPhone underwater, you should invest in a waterproof case. This guarantees that water cannot harm your iPhone.
Catalyst Waterproof / Water Resistant Cases for iPhone 12
If you want to rely on complete protection, you should definitely trust Catalyst. The Catalyst cases have been absolute bestsellers for years and for good reason! These cases offer you a uniquely good protection against dust, dirt and water. The great thing about these cases is that you can wash them well, water and soap do not bother these cases at all. This ensures that the case can also be disinfected well!
Check out the case here: Catalyst water resistant protective case iPhone 12 black
Sand repellent, waterproof and dustproof - all in just one shell
We have already explained why a waterproof case is advantageous. But sand and dust can also pose a great danger to the iPhone. The protection against dust, dirt and sand is just a little extra with Catalyst, which makes a huge difference. Catalyst cases offer all-around protection for your new iPhone 12.
Click on your iPhone model to go directly to the product page of the matching Catalyst case:
iPhone 12 - iPhone 12 Pro - iPhone 12 Pro Max - iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 11 - iPhone 11 Pro - iPhone 11 Pro Max
What should I do if my iPhone 12 falls into the water?
- If a liquid other than water splashes onto the iPhone, rinse the affected area with tap water.
- Wipe the iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure the iPhone is dry before opening the SIM card slot.
To dry the iPhone, gently tap it against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry place with a little air. Place your iPhone in front of a fan that blows fresh air directly into the Lightning connector to facilitate the drying process.
Do not dry your iPhone by using an external heat source or by inserting a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or paper towel, into the Lightning port.
