Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022, but are they waterproof? Different AirPods models have different water resistance ratings, meaning while some are resistant to sweat and light rain, others are best not exposed to any sort of moisture. Official water-resistance ratings are awarded by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and are widely used by devices like smartphones, earphones, portable speakers, etc.
The AirPods Pro 2 come with an IPX4 rating that denotes resistance to water. More specifically, that means the device is resistant to splashes of water from any direction. According to Apple's official website, both the earbuds and the charging case are resistant to sweat and water "for non-water sports and exercise," meaning they can withstand sweat and even light showers, but shouldn't be used in the pool under any circumstances. Apple also notes that "sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions," meaning the level of resistance may degrade over a period of time through normal wear and tear. The company further warns users not to charge the AirPods Pro 2 while they are wet.
Water-Resistant, But Not Waterproof
It is worth noting that being water-resistant and waterproof are not the same, so it's essential to understand what the IP (Ingress Protection) ratings mean and what levels of moisture exposure IP-rated devices can safely withstand. IPX4-rated devices are only water-resistant and not waterproof, meaning they cannot be submerged for any length of time. IPX7 and higher-rated devices, meanwhile, can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage, meaning they can be worn while swimming.
Apple first introduced water resistance to its AirPods lineup with the AirPods 3, which are also IPX4-rated like the latest offering in the lineup. The AirPods Pro (first-gen) are also IPX4-rated, but like the first two generations of AirPods, the over-ear AirPods Max don't have an IP rating. Overall, the water-resistance rating for the AirPods Pro 2 means that they can be used under most circumstances without worrying about liquid damage.
Wearing AirPods Pro 2 In The Rain — Is It Safe?
Many AirPods owners wear their earbuds everywhere they go, so naturally, a common question is whether they can withstand the rain. Given the aforementioned IPX4 rating, AirPods Pro 2 wearers shouldn’t panic if they get caught outside during a drizzle. A bit of light rain should be no problem — but beyond that, AirPods Pro 2 owners should exercise caution.
These aren’t the kind of earbuds a person should use to go out running in the rain unprotected. Downpour conditions, especially for a sustained period of time, could certainly damage AirPods Pro 2. While Apple doesn’t specifically cite rain, it does warn against submerging the earbuds, exposing them to high-velocity water and running water. A heavy rain could completely soak a wearer’s AirPods Pro 2, putting them at risk. Considering AirPods Pro 2 cost $249, that doesn’t seem like a risk worth taking.