Quick Answer
Yes, the iPhone 13 models are rated IP68 for water resistance, meaning they can be submerged in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple recommends not intentionally submerging the iPhone.
Can the iPhone 13 go in water?
The iPhone 13 models have an IP68 water resistance rating, which means they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, according to testing done by Apple.
So technically, yes you can briefly submerge an iPhone 13 in water and it should survive undamaged. However, Apple does not recommend intentionally exposing any iPhone to water.
How water resistant is the iPhone 13?
Here is a breakdown of the IP68 rating for the iPhone 13 models:
| IP68 rating definition | iPhone 13 water resistance |
| IP6X – Dust resistance | Totally protected against dust |
| IPX8 – Water resistance | Can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes |
So in summary, the iPhone 13 models are considered water resistant enough to survive accidental water exposure or brief intentional submersion. But they are not intended for extensive use in water.
Does Apple warranty cover water damage?
No, Apple’s standard 1 year limited warranty and AppleCare+ protection plans do not cover liquid damage to an iPhone.
If an iPhone 13 model sustains water damage, you will have to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty service fees for any repairs or replacements. These fees can range from $229 to $549 depending on the repair needed.
So while the iPhone 13 models are water resistant, Apple does not consider water damage to be a manufacturing defect covered under warranty. Water resistance is meant to protect against accidental exposure, not intentional submersion.
What are Apple’s recommendations for iPhone water use?
While the iPhone 13 models meet the IP68 standard for water resistance, Apple officially recommends:
– Avoid purposefully submerging iPhones in water or exposing them to pressurized water or high velocity water. IP68 testing is conducted in a controlled environment.
– Not exceeding the maximum depth and time – IP68 allows submersion down to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. Greater depths and times can damage the iPhone.
– Rinsing the iPhone in fresh water if it comes in contact with salt water or chlorinated water from a pool or hot tub. This can help prevent corrosion.
– Drying the iPhone thoroughly with a lint free cloth if it gets wet. Water residue in ports or openings can impact charging and audio performance.
So Apple suggests you should avoid intentionally putting your iPhone 13 in water when possible for best long term reliability. But IP68 water resistance provides peace of mind for accidental water exposure.
Does water damage void iPhone warranty?
Water damage is not covered under Apple’s 1 year limited warranty or extended AppleCare+ warranty. So if your iPhone 13 model sustains water damage, Apple considers that to be the result of accidental damage.
You will have to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty fees to repair or replace an iPhone damaged by water exposure. This can cost between $229 to $549 depending on the model and extent of damage.
So while water resistance is meant to protect against occasional water exposure, it does not change Apple’s warranty terms when it comes to liquid contact. Submerging an iPhone voids the warranty just like with previous non-water resistant models.
What types of water damage are covered?
No water damage is explicitly covered under Apple’s warranty programs. The iPhone 13 models have an IP68 water resistance rating, but that does not change Apple’s stance that liquid exposure voids the standard warranty.
In some rare cases, Apple may make an exception for some types of water damage:
– Condensation inside the iPhone that fogs up the camera or display when going from cold to warm temperature environments. Apple Stores can run diagnostic tests to confirm if moisture condensation caused the issue.
– Detecting liquid internally in the iPhone without any signs of water entry through ports, buttons, or the SIM card tray. Apple may determine a manufacturing defect allowed this seepage.
But in general you should assume any water damage means you will need to pay Apple’s out of warranty service fees for repairs. AppleCare+ does not include accidental damage protection.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
Unfortunately water damage is not covered by AppleCare+ for iPhone. AppleCare+ extends the regular 1 year Apple warranty and provides coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage, but liquid exposure is excluded.
If your iPhone 13 model sustains water damage while under AppleCare+ coverage, you will still need to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty repair or replacement fees. These fees can range between $229 to $549 depending on the model and damage.
AppleCare+ is intended to cover accidental drops, spills, cracks, etc – but not submersion in water. So while the iPhone 13 models are water resistant, water damage is considered beyond normal wear and tear by Apple.
Does insurance cover water damaged iPhones?
Some insurance plans like home, renters, or personal property coverage may cover an iPhone damaged by water exposure. You would need to file a claim and pay any deductible.
Cell phone insurance through your wireless carrier may also cover water damage, for an additional monthly fee. For example, Verizon’s Total Mobile Protection includes loss, theft, and accidental damage protection for $15/month.
Alternatively, you can purchase stand-alone extended warranty or device protection plans from third parties like SquareTrade that claim to cover accidental water damage for iPhone. Always read the fine print for exclusions.
But Apple and AppleCare+ do not consider water damage to be accidental damage that is covered. You need insurance or third party protection for comprehensive coverage.
How to dry out a wet iPhone 13
If your iPhone 13 gets wet, follow these steps to dry it out:
1. Wipe away any excess moisture with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to also dry any moisture in the ports, buttons, speaker grills and microphones.
2. Do not charge the iPhone until it is completely dry. Charging while wet can cause damage.
3. Allow the iPhone to air dry completely before using again. Do not use external heat sources like hair dryers which can overheat the iPhone.
4. Place the iPhone in front of a fan to speed up drying. The ambient airflow will help evaporate any water internally.
5. Add moisture-absorbing packs like silica gel to the bag or container holding the iPhone while air drying. Do not submerge the packs directly with the phone.
6. Once fully dried, inspect the iPhone closely for any residual moisture before charging or powering on. Moisture inside can still cause issues.
Thorough drying is key to recovering an iPhone exposed to any liquids. Water and electronics do not mix well! Avoid submerging iPhones in the future whenever possible.
How to eject water from iPhone ports
If water gets trapped in the charging port or other openings of your iPhone 13, try these steps to eject it:
1. First dry the outside of the ports and iPhone thoroughly with a soft cloth. Make sure no liquid is visible.
2. For the Lightning port, carefully insert a toothpick wrapped in cloth to absorb excess moisture inside and gently twist to draw out any water. Do not jam the toothpick deep into the port.
3. For the speakers, use canned air to spray out any droplets remaining in the grill holes. Hold the iPhone at an angle to allow water to run out.
4. Shake the iPhone firmly to dislodge any moisture trapped in buttons or small openings. Water could be stuck in the side button, ring/silent switch or SIM tray.
5. Let the iPhone finish air drying before charging or using. Check that ports are 100% dry before inserting any cables, SIM card or accessories.
Avoid compressing air into iPhone openings, which can push water deeper inside. Carefully using absorbent materials to wick moisture out is safer. Thoroughly dry before resuming normal use.
How to recover data from a water damaged iPhone 13
If your iPhone 13 was exposed to water and is no longer functioning, you may want to attempt to recover personal data before any repairs. Follow these steps:
1. If the iPhone still powers on, immediately back up your data through iTunes on a computer. Create an encrypted iTunes backup to save as much information as possible.
2. If the iPhone does not turn on, you will need to turn to data recovery specialists capable of extracting data from water damaged devices. Companies like DriveSavers offer advanced iPhone data recovery services.
3. Bring the water damaged iPhone to an Apple Store or authorized service provider. They have tools to diagnose the issue and may be able to backup data if the logic board is intact. There will likely be a cost for data recovery.
4. As a last resort, send the iPhone to a data recovery company. They disassemble the device in a clean room and use specialized tools to read memory chips and recover data. This can cost over $1000 but may be able to salvage photos, messages, etc.
The sooner you take action after water exposure, the better chance at saving your iPhone data. Turning on a water damaged iPhone can ruin the logic board and make data recovery impossible. Quickly get help.
How much does it cost to repair a water damaged iPhone 13?
The cost to repair an iPhone 13 model that sustained water damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage:
– Minor corrosion or residue cleaning – Around $229
– Logic board level damage – Between $269 to $549
– Completely unresponsive/non-functioning – Could be the full replacement cost of iPhone model
Apple charges out-of-warranty fees starting at $229 to diagnose and repair an iPhone with liquid damage. This fee covers basic cleaning and repairs. But if components like the logic board are affected, the cost goes up substantially for part replacements.
A completely non-working iPhone 13 that suffered extensive water damage can cost the full replacement price of that model, up to $549 or more. At that point you may want to explore third party repair options or just replace the iPhone entirely.
How long can an iPhone 13 be submerged before being water damaged?
According to Apple’s IP68 testing, the iPhone 13 models can withstand submersion down to 6 meters (just under 20 feet) for up to 30 minutes without damage.
However, it is not recommended to intentionally submerge any iPhone, even the iPhone 13, for an extended period. Apple suggests limiting exposure to water.
In real world use, the safe submersion time for an iPhone 13 can vary based on factors like:
– Depth – The deeper the iPhone is underwater, the more water pressure it is exposed to.
– Water purity – Salt water, chlorinated water, and other liquids can impact water resistance seals.
– Water temperature – Very warm or cold water is more taxing on the waterproof seals.
– Age of phone – The water resistance may degrade over time after prolonged wear and use.
While the iPhone 13 models meet the IP68 standard, limits exist. Try to minimize intentional water exposure to a few minutes at most. Greater depths and times risk going beyond sealing thresholds.
Can you shower with the iPhone 13?
Apple does not recommend showering with the iPhone 13, despite its IP68 water resistance rating. The pressurized water jets from a showerhead go beyond the steady, stationary water conditions of IP68 testing.
Showering also often exceeds the 30 minute time limit of IP68, which further stresses the water seals. Soap and other chemicals found in bath products can also negatively affect the waterproof seals.
The humidity and steamy conditions of a shower are also not ideal for electronics due to moisture condensation issues. This can fog up internal components.
While an occasional accidental shower with an iPhone 13 may not cause damage, prolonged or frequent exposure to showers and running water can wear down seals and allow moisture intrusion over time.
Can you swim with iPhone 13?
It is not advisable to swim with the iPhone 13 models. Although Apple claims up to 30 minutes submersion in water up to 6 meters deep, swimming introduces a few risks:
– The dynamic motions of swimming make it more likely to exceed depth and time limits of water seals. Diving under or vigorous swimming can easily go beyond IP68 ratings.
– Pool chemicals like chlorine can degrade the iPhone’s waterproof seals over time with prolonged exposure.
– Salt water is very corrosive if it seeps past water seals. The iPhone 13 in salt water requires quick fresh water rinsing.
– Water pressure is greater diving into a pool than static lab testing conditions of IP68 rating.
While the iPhone 13 models may survive an accidental dip in a pool, it is best to avoid intentionally submerging them for swimming or aquatic use. The activity risks going beyond water protection thresholds.
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 13 models are water resistant enough to survive accidental submersion in water thanks to their IP68 rating. But Apple does not recommend intentionally exposing the iPhone 13 to water.
Prolonged and excessive water exposure can still damage the iPhone 13 models. And any resulting water damage will void the warranty and require paid repair or replacement from Apple.
The iPhone 13’s water seals provide peace of mind against common spills and splashes, not an invitation for underwater adventures. Take precautions to keep your iPhone dry for best reliability and lifespan.