The iPhone X is Apple’s first smartphone to have an IP67 water resistance rating. This means that the iPhone X can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, there are some important factors to consider regarding how long an iPhone X can realistically last in water.
Quick Facts on iPhone X Water Resistance
Here are some key points about the iPhone X’s water resistance:
- IP67 rating – can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
- Depth beyond 1 meter increases water pressure and risk
- Time beyond 30 minutes increases risk of water infiltration
- Warranty does not cover liquid damage
- Water resistance may degrade over time
- Dust, debris, soap, chlorine can impact water sealing
- Avoid sudden temperature changes in water
Water Pressure Beyond 1 Meter
The iPhone X is tested and rated for water submersion at a depth of 1 meter. Exceeding this depth introduces additional water pressure that has not been accounted for in the phone’s water sealing design. For every 10 meters (about 33 feet) you go underwater, the water pressure increases by the equivalent of 1 atmosphere of pressure.
Most swimming pools are 1-2 meters deep. However, if you swim with your iPhone X in deeper water such as in the ocean, the increased pressure multiplies the risk of water ingress past the seals. At a depth of 4 meters, the iPhone X is experiencing 4 times the pressure versus at 1 meter depth. Small manufacturing defects or deterioration of the seals over time become more liable to cause a breach and water damage at increased depths.
Water Pressure Versus Depth Examples
| Depth | Pressure Relative to 1 m Depth |
|---|---|
| 1 meter | 1x atmospheric pressure |
| 2 meters | 2x atmospheric pressure |
| 4 meters | 4x atmospheric pressure |
| 10 meters | 10x atmospheric pressure |
As this table illustrates, the risk scales significantly as depth increases when submerging the iPhone X in water. To maintain the same level of water resistance stress as at 1 meter, halve the time when at 2 meters depth. At 4 meters, limit submersion time to less than 10 minutes for the same risk factor.
Time Beyond 30 Minutes
Apple’s water resistance ratings are based on testing up to 30 minutes of continuous submersion at 1 meter depth or less. Exceeding this time duration adds incremental risk that water will infiltrate past the seals and cause damage.
The longer the iPhone X sits in water, two issues arise. First, water pressure is looking for any path inside, and will eventually make its way through microscopic defects or wear in the seals. Second, temperature changes while submerged can cause the phone to expand or contract, altering the seal integrity.
It’s unlikely the phone will instantly fail if you exceed 30 minutes underwater. However, each minute beyond the rating is adding more stress to the water seals. For reliable and consistent water protection, 30 minutes should be considered the absolute maximum time to remain submerged.
Warranty Impact
It is important to note that Apple’s 1 year limited warranty does not cover liquid damage to an iPhone. The water resistance rating is designed to protect against common splashes and accidents, not intentional submersion. If you choose to swim or soak in a bath tub with your iPhone X, any subsequent water damage will not be covered by the warranty.
Water Resistance Declines Over Time
The water resistance of the iPhone X is made possible thanks to rubber gaskets and other seals that keep water out. However, the material properties of these seals degrade over time. While the IP67 rating technically specifies the phone should withstand submersion when new, after months of use this water resistance capability declines.
Factors that can speed up degradation of water seals include normal wear and tear, manufacturing defects, repeated submersions, pressure and temperature changes, and exposure to debris, dust, soap residue and chlorine. Any compromise to the sealing surface reduces its ability to keep water out when submerged.
Debris Impact on Water Seals
The iPhone X has seals both for the physical SIM card tray and around the exterior case joints and ports. Any hair, dust, sand or other debris on these sealing surfaces can provide an inlet for water to enter through when submerged. It is important to visually check and clean these critical areas before exposing the phone to water.
Similarly, make sure to close the SIM tray and all port covers securely before submersion. Debris in these areas when closed can also impact the ability to keep water out.
Chemical and Soap Impacts
The water sealing measures on the iPhone X are designed to work against pure fresh water. Exposing the device to soapy water, chlorinated pool water, salt water, soaps, shampoos and other chemicals can reduce the effectiveness of the water seals.
The seals are composed of rubber-like materials that can react with and potentially degrade faster in these types of solutions. Pay special care to promptly rinse off any soapy residue, pool chemicals, salt and other debris to prolong water seal lifetime after exposure of the iPhone to these chemicals.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Rapid temperature changes while the iPhone X is submerged can cause issues due to the expansion and contraction of materials. The iPhone operates best from 0° to 35° C ambient temperature.
Jumping into a hot bath or Jacuzzi with an iPhone that was at room temperature subjects it to a rapid transition from ~22° to 40° C. Conversely, moving from a hot tub into an outdoor pool can drop temperatures significantly. The metal, glass and seals will all expand and contract differently in response, potentially altering the critical water seals.
For best results, allow the iPhone to climatize close to the water temperature before submersion. Gradual temperature changes will reduce the risk of issues.
Salt Water Considerations
Salt water is highly corrosive and conductive. The seals and ports on the iPhone X will provide temporary protection against salt water damage, but it should not be considered impervious to salt water over time.
Repeated submersion in salt water will degrade the seals more quickly than fresh water due to the corrosive salt. Small amounts of salt water may seep into ports and dry internally, leading to corrosion over time or shorts. After salt water exposure, thoroughly rinse the iPhone with fresh water to dilute any salt residue.
Chlorine Impact
The iPhone X water seals will provide temporary protection against pool water. However, pool water contains diluted chlorine used as a disinfectant. Chlorine and its byproducts can be corrosive or degrading to many seal materials over time.
While brief exposures to chlorine will not immediately damage the iPhone, repeated or prolonged submersion in pool water can accelerate degradation of the water seals. Be sure to promptly rinse off the iPhone with fresh water after removing it from a chlorinated pool.
Using an iPhone X in a Pool or Ocean
The iPhone X can be briefly used to take photos, videos, or play music in a pool or ocean within the 1 meter depth and 30 minute time limits. However, there are still important precautions to take:
- Only use for brief periods of time, not continuous submersion
- Rinse with fresh water after removing from pool or ocean
- Dry out lightning/charger port thoroughly if exposed to water
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Visually inspect seals and ports before and after submersion
- Never charge phone when wet or before fully drying out
While the iPhone X has unprecedented water resistance for an iPhone, it is still critical to follow best practices for maintaining the water sealing capabilities.
After Water Exposure
If the iPhone X has been submerged in water, it is important to take the following steps after removing it from the water:
- Rinse phone gently with fresh water if exposed to chlorine, salt water, soaps or debris
- Pat dry with microfiber cloth, paying special attention to ports, speakers, mics
- Allow phone to air dry completely before using or charging
- Visually inspect for trapped water or debris in ports, especially lightning port
- Do not charge phone until completely dry
- Listen for crunching water sound in speakers when playing audio
- Test microphone and speakers to ensure full functionality
Following these steps will help ensure no residual water or debris remains inside the iPhone that could cause issues down the road.
Replacing Water Seals
The water sealing measures on the iPhone X are not designed to be user replaceable. Opening the phone to replace seals will void any warranty and is not recommended.
Some independent repair shops may offer re-sealing services to replace worn seals. However, quality can vary greatly. Damaged seals can also indicate corrosion has impacted the phone’s electronics or other components.
Water Damage Diagnostics
If an iPhone X is exhibiting issues with functionality after water exposure, it can be difficult to diagnose if moisture ingress caused damage. Some steps to detect water damage include:
- Examining for corrosion around ports, connectors, SIM tray
- Checking for water droplets or fogging under camera lenses
- Inspecting for oxidized or corroded contacts on internal connectors
- Testing microphone and speaker for crunching sounds
- Trying different chargers to rule out lightning port damage
- Restoring phone software and testing again
Preventative steps are essential, as water damage repairs can be expensive with no guarantee of success. Often it is cost prohibitive versus replacing the iPhone X.
Water Resistance Declines Over Time
The iPhone X boasts the highest water resistance ever in an iPhone. However, it is not a completely waterproof device. Extended use over time will degrade the water seals and increase likelihood of damage from water exposure.
To maximize water protection lifespan:
- Use phone case for impact protection
- Avoid unnecessary submersion
- Inspect seals regularly for debris or damage
- Rinse after chemical, salt water, soap exposure
- Avoid debris around seals
- Minimize temperature shocks in water
With proper care, the iPhone X can realistically provide water and splash protection for 2-3 years of use before seals may become too degraded for reliable submersion.
Professional Waterproof Cases
For heavy water use of iPhone X beyond shallow submersion, consider a professional waterproof case designed for underwater photography and deep diving. Some examples include:
- LifeProof Fre case
- Otterbox Hydro Series
- Catalyst Lite Case
- Dog & Bone Wetsuit Impact Case
- Ghostek Atomic 3 Waterproof Series
- Hitcase Pro Waterproof Case
These cases are designed for dedicated water use down to 60+ meters, providing a level of protection far beyond the phone’s built-in water seals.
Conclusion
The iPhone X can realistically survive accidental submersion down to 1 meter for 30 minutes based on Apple’s IP67 rating when new. However, many factors impact how long it can last underwater.
Exceeding depth or time limits, degrading seals over age, and exposure to chemicals all increase risk of water damage over time. With proper care, the iPhone X water seals should provide 2-3 years of protection against splashes and quick dunks within specification.
For heavy water use, external waterproof cases are recommended. But for most owners, the iPhone X alone provides unprecedented water protection never before seen in an iPhone.
