Quick Answer
The iPhone 8 Plus is splash, water, and dust resistant with an IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529. This means it can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple does not recommend purposefully dropping the iPhone 8 Plus in water, as water damage is not covered under warranty. It’s best to keep it away from water when possible.
Can the iPhone 8 Plus be submerged in water?
The iPhone 8 Plus has an IP67 water resistance rating, which means it can be submerged in 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes without damage, according to Apple. IP67 is the highest water resistance rating under the IEC 60529 standard.
Here’s a quick look at what the IP67 rating for the iPhone 8 Plus means:
IP67 Breakdown
| IP | Ingress Protection Rating |
| 6 | Protected from dust (no harmful deposits) |
| 7 | Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
So in theory, the iPhone 8 Plus should survive being submerged in freshwater up to 1 meter deep, for up to half an hour without damage.
Does Apple cover water damage under warranty?
No, Apple’s 1-year limited warranty and AppleCare+ extended warranty do not cover water damage on the iPhone 8 Plus or any iPhone model. This is important to note if you accidentally submerge your iPhone. Any water damage will void the device’s warranty coverage.
Here is what Apple’s warranty pages say about water damage coverage:
From Apple’s 1-Year Limited Warranty:
“This Warranty does not apply… to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause.”
From AppleCare+ Terms:
“This Plan does not cover: (i) installation, removal or disposal of the Covered Device, or provision of equipment while the Covered Device is being serviced; (ii) damage caused by a device that is not the Covered Device (except for damage caused by a SIM card or memory card); (iii) damage caused by operating the Covered Device outside the permitted or intended uses described by the manufacturer; (iv) 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”); (v) Covered Device that has been lost or stolen; (vi) incidental or consequential damages resulting from Covered Device failure; or (vii) damage to Covered Device caused by fire, earthquake, acts of God or other external causes.”
So you should avoid purposefully submerging your iPhone 8 Plus or getting it wet, since any resulting water damage will not be covered under warranty. Accidental water damage is a different story and may sometimes be covered, but purposeful submersion voids the warranty.
Does the iPhone 8 Plus warranty cover accidental water damage?
The Apple 1-year limited warranty does not cover any kind of accidental water damage to the iPhone 8 Plus or any iPhone model. However, AppleCare+ does provide additional coverage for accidental damage from liquid contact.
Here are the details on AppleCare+ accidental damage coverage:
– Covers two incidents of accidental damage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage or $99 for any other damage.
– The damage must be caused by an accident and involve liquid contact. Purposefully submerging the iPhone 8 Plus would not qualify as accidental damage.
– You must bring your damaged iPhone 8 Plus into Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repair. DIY repairs will void your AppleCare+ coverage.
So AppleCare+ provides some protection in case your iPhone 8 Plus suffers accidental water damage. But any damage from intentionally dropping or submerging the iPhone in water will not be covered, even with AppleCare+.
What are the limits of the iPhone 8 Plus water resistance?
While the iPhone 8 Plus is designed to be splash, water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating, there are still limits to its water resistance that you should keep in mind:
– Depth limit – The iPhone 8 Plus is only rated for submersion in freshwater up to 1 meter deep. Dropping it to deeper depths may cause damage.
– Time limit – The IP67 rating is only for submersion up to 30 minutes. Longer periods of time underwater increase the risk of damage.
– Freshwater only – The water resistance rating is only for freshwater. Submersion in liquids other than freshwater, like saltwater, increases the risk.
– Temperature – Very hot or cold water temperatures can impact the water seals. Use within normal water temps.
– Wear and tear – The water seals can wear down over time, reducing water resistance. Older iPhone 8 Plus devices may be more susceptible to water damage.
– Warranty void – Purposeful water exposure voids Apple’s warranties and is not recommended. Accidental damage has limited coverage under AppleCare+.
So while the iPhone 8 Plus is water resistant, there are limits. For best protection, avoid purposefully exposing it to water when possible.
What should I do if I drop my iPhone 8 Plus in water?
If you accidentally drop your iPhone 8 Plus in water, here are some tips on what to do:
– Retrieve it immediately if possible. Don’t leave it submerged. Try to limit the time in the water.
– Dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Don’t try to charge it while wet. Allow it to air dry before using.
– Don’t try quick fixes like rice or a hairdryer. Just dry it with a cloth and allow it to air dry.
– Check for liquid in the ports and openings. Carefully clean any water out with a dry toothpick or soft cloth.
– Check for signs of water damage like condensation or fogging in the camera, speakers, or other parts.
– Backup your data and turn off the iPhone if possible. Let it dry out for at least 72 hours before turning it back on.
– Be prepared to claim accidental damage under AppleCare+ if needed, or pay for an out of warranty repair. Water damage is not covered under the standard warranty.
A quick response when dropping any iPhone in water can help minimize damage. But water exposure does still pose a risk for an electronic device like the iPhone 8 Plus. That’s why Apple doesn’t recommend purposeful submersion, even though the iPhone has a water resistance rating. Careful handling is always advised.
How does the iPhone 8 Plus water resistance work?
The iPhone 8 Plus achieves its IP67 water and dust resistance through a combination of design factors:
Tight seals
Rubber gaskets and seals around the openings and connectors keep water and dust out. The SIM card tray has a water-resistant seal, and waterproof adhesive seals the front and back glass to the aluminum frame.
Adhesives
Waterproof adhesives around connectors and other areas help prevent ingress of liquids. Flexible adhesives allow movement but maintain a seal.
Mesh membranes
Tiny Gore-Tex membranes allow sound and air to pass through the speakers and microphones while blocking moisture.
Pressure equalization
Internal cavities are designed with pressure relief valves to equalize interior and exterior water pressure and prevent water forcing its way in.
Internal compartmentalization
Sensitive components are laid out to isolate connectors and ports from the board layout to minimize exposure to moisture.
With all of these measures working together, the iPhone 8 Plus can maintain its water and dust resistance – but it’s not impervious. The limits still apply, and intentional submersion should be avoided whenever possible.
Will the iPhone 8 Plus work underwater?
No, the iPhone 8 Plus touchscreen and other input methods are designed to work in air, not underwater. Even though the iPhone 8 Plus is somewhat water resistant, the touchscreen will not respond reliably while submerged.
You may be able to use the iPhone 8 Plus briefly in a very shallow depth of clean water. But anything deeper than a couple of inches will likely prevent proper functionality. The touchscreen relies on capacitive sensing of your finger, which does not work through water.
The iPhone’s water resistance is mainly intended to protect against accidental splashes, brief immersion, and wet weather – not to allow full underwater usage. So it’s best not to intentionally use the iPhone 8 Plus while submerged. Make sure to dry it off and use above water.
Can I shower or swim with the iPhone 8 Plus?
No, Apple does not recommend showering with your iPhone 8 Plus or using it underwater for activities like swimming.
While the iPhone 8 Plus is somewhat water resistant with an IP67 rating, Apple designed it to withstand only occasional, accidental water exposure – not prolonged immersion during active use in water sports or bathing.
Exposing the iPhone 8 Plus to soapy water, chlorinated pools, or constant moisture during activities like showering can degrade the water seals over time. The pressure from being submerged in water deeper than 1 meter can also damage the iPhone.
For swimming or surfing, consider getting a waterproof case to protect your iPhone 8 Plus. But the phone itself is not intended for frequent use in water activities. It’s best kept dry whenever possible.
Does the iPhone 8 Plus warranty cover shower or pool water damage?
No. Any water damage to your iPhone 8 Plus from showering, swimming pools, or other water activities will void Apple’s warranty coverage.
While the iPhone 8 Plus does have an IP67 water resistance rating, Apple’s warranties contain clear language stating that any damage from intentional liquid contact is not covered.
From Apple’s 1-year limited warranty:
“This Warranty does not apply… to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause.”
And AppleCare+ terms state damage from:
“(vii) damage to Covered Device caused by fire, earthquake, acts of God or other external causes.”
So if your iPhone 8 Plus gets water damaged from showering or swimming, Apple will not cover the cost of repairs under warranty. You’ll have to pay for an out-of-warranty repair or replacement phone.
It’s best to keep your iPhone 8 Plus away from shower and pool water damage that could void your warranty and require paid repairs. Use a waterproof case for wet activities.
Conclusion
The iPhone 8 Plus has an IP67 water resistance rating and can withstand submersion for brief periods under ideal conditions. However, Apple does not recommend purposefully dropping it in water. Any water damage will void the warranty, so it’s best to keep the phone dry and handled carefully around water. For light water exposure, the iPhone 8 Plus provides protection, but extended immersion or use underwater is not advisable. Treat the water resistance as a precautionary measure rather than an invitation to dunk or swim with your iPhone 8 Plus. With careful handling, your iPhone can survive an accidental drop in water – just don’t make a habit of it!
