Knowing if a specific iPhone model is waterproof will help to ensure the device remains usable and performs as expected for as long as possible. While many iPhone models now come with some degree of water resistance, that has not always been the case. In fact, there is a very clear distinction in Apple’s iPhone water-resistant history which should make it far easier to know if a specific model is protected or not.
It has been fourteen years now since the first iPhone was unveiled and during that time, there have been multiple iPhone models released. While the iPhone 13 series is due to come out this year, Apple has been slowly expanding the core phone selection to include a greater number of models each year. For example, the iPhone 12 series saw the introduction of the mini, with releases in previous years adding a Pro and Pro Max to the collection.
While there have been plenty of iPhone models released over the years, only the iPhone 7 and those that have followed come with some degree of water-proofing. Therefore, a good iPhone rule of thumb is that iPhone 6 and older models should not be considered waterproof. To be clear, some older models may exhibit water-resistant qualities, but they do not come with any official resistance ratings let alone waterproofing. As for the iPhone 7 series and later, the exact degree of protection depends on the model.
iPhone 7 & Later Water Resistance Explained
Again, all iPhone models since the iPhone 7 series are considered to be splash, water, and dust resistant. However, they are not all equal in this sense. For example, the iPhone 7 and Plus, iPhone 8 and Plus, as well as the iPhone X, iPhone XR, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation), all come with an IP67 rating. In other words, they are all expected to be able to withstand submersion in water up to a depth of one meter and for as long as thirty minutes. When it comes to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the iPhone 11 series, and the iPhone 12 series, all of these iPhone models are still bound by the same 30-minute limit, but remain protected at even greater depths. Even then, these newer iPhones are not all equal.
To explain, the newest iPhone 12 series boasts an IP68 rating with the maximum depth listed as six meters. In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max boost the same IP68 rating but their maximum depth is defined as four meters. The standard iPhone 11, as well as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, all also have an IP68 rating, but their maximum depths are limited to just two meters.
Regardless of the exact model, it is worth keeping in mind that water resistance or proofing is not something that’s permanent. As a device ages, or its number of water encounters increases, it can become more prone to damage through general wear and tear. Therefore, even if it is a newer iPhone 12 model, that’s not to say users should necessarily take it swimming or use the device in the shower. Whether it's an iPhone made by Apple or a device made by anyone else, these protections are there to help when unfortunate situations naturally happen and should always be considered maximum levels of protection.
Source: Apple