iPhones have come a long way in terms of water resistance over the years. When the iPhone 10 was first released in 2017, it marked a major improvement in water resistance compared to previous iPhone models. So can you actually put the iPhone 10 in water safely? Let’s take a closer look.
iPhone 10 Water Resistance Rating
The iPhone 10 and iPhone 10 Plus have an IP67 water and dust resistance rating under IEC standard 60529. This means that both models can withstand immersion in 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes without damage.
Specifically, here is what the IP67 rating for the iPhone 10 series means:
- 6 – Maximum dust protection. No dust can enter the device.
- 7 – Maximum water protection. Device can be immersed in 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes.
So in simple terms, the iPhone 10 models are considered water-resistant, not completely waterproof. The water resistance allows your iPhone to withstand common mishaps like getting splashed or accidentally dropped in water for a short time. But it is not meant for underwater use.
Water Damage Not Covered by Warranty
While the iPhone 10 has excellent water resistance, Apple’s 1-year limited warranty does not cover any water damage to the device. According to Apple, “This Warranty does not apply: (a) to consumable parts, such as batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time, unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (c) to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specifications (Apple Product specifications are available at www.apple.com under the technical specifications for each product and also available in stores); (d) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, earthquake or other external cause; (e) to damage caused by operating the Apple Product outside Apple’s published guidelines; (f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”); (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple; (h) to defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the Apple Product; or (i) if any serial number has been removed or defaced from the Apple Product.”
So in other words, if your iPhone 10 sustains any water damage from being submerged or exposed to liquids, Apple will not cover the repair or replacement costs under warranty.
Water Resistance Degrades Over Time
It’s also important to keep in mind that water resistance is not a permanent feature. The water resistance seals on the iPhone 10 can degrade over time with normal wear and tear. For example, getting the ports and buttons wet repeatedly can cause the water sealing to wear down faster.
Apple does note that the iPhone 10 is splash, water, and dust resistant “in certain conditions” and notes it should not be viewed as a waterproof device. So you cannot expect your iPhone to maintain max water resistance forever.
Guidelines for Getting iPhone 10 Wet
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the iPhone 10’s water resistance and limitations, here are some key guidelines to follow if you do get your iPhone wet:
- The iPhone 10 can withstand brief immersion in 1 meter of freshwater, but it should not be purposely immersed for extended periods or in other liquids like saltwater or chlorinated water.
- Water resistance can wear down over time, so try not to intentionally expose your iPhone to moisture more than necessary.
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to pressurized water or high velocity water from sources like power jets and showerheads. The water resistance ratings are based on static immersion tests.
- Do not charge your iPhone while it is wet. Be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth before charging.
- Avoid operating the touchscreen and buttons while the iPhone is wet. Wait for it to dry first.
- After drying, inspect your iPhone for trapped liquid in the speaker grilles, ports, buttons etc. and gently shake out any excess water.
- Do not use detergents, soaps, shampoos, cleaning products, or forciful drying methods like hair dryers which can damage water seals.
Adhering to these guidelines will help minimize any potential damage when exposing your iPhone 10 to moisture. But ultimately, it’s always best to avoid getting your iPhone wet when possible.
Is the iPhone 10 Waterproof?
No, the iPhone 10 is water-resistant, not completely waterproof. There is a big difference between water resistance and waterproofing.
Waterproof means an item is impervious to water damage in any scenario. The iPhone 10 is not totally immune to water damage. Its IP67 rating allows it to withstand being submerged briefly in 1 meter of static, fresh water. But beyond that, damage can still occur.
Some key points about the water resistance vs. waterproofing:
- Water resistance has limits – IP67 allows temporary immersion but doesn’t make it impervious.
- Water resistance can wear down over time.
- Water damage voids the iPhone’s warranty.
- Exposing iPhone to fluids beyond fresh water can still damage it.
- Pressurized water and shower jets can potentially damage the iPhone due to force, even if submerged briefly.
So in summary, the iPhone 10 has excellent water resistance that allows it to withstand accidents like brief drops in water or light splashes. But lengthy submersion, high water pressure, or liquids beyond freshwater still put your iPhone at risk for permanent damage.
Water Damage Indicators
There are special internal indicators inside the iPhone 10 that will trigger if water damage is detected. This allows Apple Support technicians to quickly identify internal water damage if you bring your iPhone in for service after water exposure.
The iPhone 10 has small circular paper-like disks that will turn red if they come in contact with liquid. There are water damage indicators located near the SIM card slot, speakers, vibration motor, and logic board. If multiple indicators have turned red, this likely means water has gotten inside your iPhone.
You cannot see these water damage indicators without opening up the iPhone. Apple Geniuses and Apple Authorized Service Providers are trained to check them during repairs. If the indicators show obvious water damage, any warranty claims will be denied by Apple since water exposure voids the standard warranty.
Water Damage Repair Costs
If your iPhone 10 does sustain water damage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any required repairs or replacements unless you have AppleCare+ coverage. Here are the typical repair costs for water damaged iPhone 10 models not covered by warranty:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Logic board replacement | $200 – $350 |
| Battery replacement | $49 – $99 |
| Back glass replacement | $99 – $199 |
| Front screen replacement | $129 – $279 |
| Speaker replacement | $25 – $50 |
| Full device replacement | $450+ |
As you can see, just a single component failure like the logic board can cost over $300 to replace out of warranty. Water damage repairs for the iPhone 10 can easily get expensive.
AppleCare+ Coverage
One way to cover water damage repairs is to purchase AppleCare+ for your iPhone 10. This extended warranty plan covers both accidental damage from mishaps like drops and spills.
With AppleCare+ for iPhone, you pay a lower service fee before tax for up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage, or $99 for any other damage. So with AppleCare+, your first water damage repair would be capped at a $99 service fee.
AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of getting your iPhone 10. Prices vary based on model, but generally AppleCare+ costs $129 to $199 upfront for iPhone devices, which can be a worthwhile investment to cover potential water damage down the road.
Use a Waterproof Case as Added Protection
While the iPhone 10 has decent water resistance, a waterproof case can provide maximum protection against water damage. Here are some top-rated waterproof iPhone cases to consider:
- LifeProof FRE SERIES – This popular case provides 6.6 feet of protection from water immersion and is drop-proof up to 2 meters. It adds very minimal bulk. Available for $49.99 – $79.99.
- Otterbox DEFENDER SERIES – Otterbox cases are known for their premium protection. The Defender case for iPhone 10 adds 3 meters of water resistance along with drop protection. Retails between $39.95 – $59.95.
- Hitcase Pro – With its sleek and durable design, the Hitcase Pro is waterproof up to 10 meters and provides drop/scratch/dust protection. Available for $99.99.
Investing in a dedicated waterproof case gives you the freedom to use your iPhone 10 worry-free around water, while maintaining full touchscreen sensitivity. Just make sure to test the water seals and closures regularly for any wear.
Use Good Judgement When Getting iPhone 10 Wet
While the iPhone 10 has water resistance, it’s still a piece of delicate electronic equipment. No water resistance is perfect or permanent. Exposing it to moisture unnecessarily is simply asking for trouble down the road.
Use good judgement whenever you have your iPhone 10 around water. Understand that its water protections have limits, and have a plan in case your device does sustain water damage even briefly. Accidents happen, but be wise about avoiding situations that put your iPhone at high risk for water exposure when possible.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points on iPhone 10 water resistance:
- The iPhone 10 has an IP67 water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand brief immersion in 1 meter of freshwater.
- Water resistance protects against common accidents but has limits. The iPhone 10 is water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
- Water damage repairs are expensive without AppleCare+ coverage.
- Water damage indicators will show if fluid has entered your iPhone.
- Get a waterproof case as added protection for underwater use or risky situations.
- Use caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture.
While the iPhone 10 models are quite water-resistant compared to older iPhones, they are still electronics that can fail around water. Take reasonable precautions to keep your iPhone away from moisture when possible for best results.