All Apple Watch models come with some degree of water resistance raising the question of whether users can actually wear any of the smartwatches while taking a shower. The short answer is, it depends. Here’s an overview of what Apple Watch users need to know before stepping into the shower and their wearable ends up wetter than it should.
Apple’s series of watches are hugely popular and adoption doesn’t look likely to be slowing down soon. If anything, and considering how useful the new features that Apple keeps adding are becoming, the Apple Watch is likely to remain the go-to option for many buyers. That is, at least for those in the market for a watch to accompany an iPhone. However, an Apple Watch is not exactly a cheap smartwatch, so understanding how durable and protected they are can be a good way to ensure an Apple smartwatch remains useful for as long as possible.
Pre-Apple Watch Series 2 models come with an IPX7 water resistance rating. Due to this, they are rated as protected when submerged in water, but only up to a depth of one meter and only for up to thirty minutes. In contrast, the water resistance for Apple Watch Series 2 and all newer models points to protection to a depth of up to 50 meters. In short, showering with an Apple Watch Series 2 or newer is fine, but it is probably wise not to shower with an Apple Watch (1st generation) or Apple Watch Series 1.
Showering With An Apple Watch
Although Apple Watch (1st generation) and Apple Watch Series 1 are technically rated as IPX7, Apple recommends not submerging them in water. Due to this, wearing one in the shower is probably not going to be the best idea. This is particularly true as the quality of the water resistance can degrade over time. With these watches being as old as they are, it is likely that their level of water resistance is not as high as it was when purchased. Therefore, their ability to effectively withstand a shower is all the more unlikely.
When it comes to newer Apple Watches, however, there are no immediate dangers to showering while wearing one. Of course, water resistance does only refer to water, so although they are protected against the shower water itself, they won’t be protected against soaps, shampoos, or any other liquids that might be encountered when showering. In cases where an Apple Watch Series 2 or newer does come into contact with any of these liquids, Apple recommends cleaning the smartwatch with fresh water before drying the wearable with a lint free-cloth.
Source: Apple