The iPhone 7 has improved water resistance compared to previous iPhone models, but it is not completely waterproof. Apple advertises the iPhone 7 as being splash, water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating. This means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, Apple does not recommend intentionally submerging the iPhone 7, especially in saltwater or the sea, as it can still suffer water damage over time.
Quick Answer
The iPhone 7 is not fully waterproof and should not be intentionally submerged in the sea. Its IP67 water resistance rating means it can withstand splashes, spills and accidental submersion in freshwater up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. However, prolonged exposure to seawater can still cause corrosion and damage over time.
IP67 Rating Explained
The IP rating system classifies the degrees of protection devices have against intrusion from solid objects, dust, and water. The first digit after IP refers to solid particle protection, while the second digit refers to liquid ingress protection.
An IP67 rating means:
- 6 – Dust tight, no ingress of dust.
- 7 – Protected from immersion in water with a depth between 15cm and 1m.
So the iPhone 7 can withstand being accidentally dropped in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple does not recommend intentionally submerging it, especially in environments like the sea.
Why iPhone 7 Is Not Fully Waterproof
There are a few reasons why the iPhone 7 is not 100% waterproof:
- The IP67 rating only covers freshwater, not seawater. Seawater is more conductive and corrosive due to the salt.
- Water resistance degrades over time. The water resistant seals can wear out with normal use.
- Water pressure increases with depth. At greater depths, water pressure can force water past the seals.
- The phone has exposed ports like the lightning port. These can allow water ingress if submerged.
While the iPhone 7 is splash, spill and brief immersion resistant, it does not have gaskets and seals enclosing every hole and cavity like a purpose-built underwater device. Prolonged exposure to water, especially seawater, will eventually cause damage.
Using iPhone 7 at the Beach or Pool
You can comfortably use an iPhone 7 at the beach, by the pool, or on a boat without too much worry. But you should still take precautions to avoid exposing it to water damage:
- Keep it away from the water’s edge.
- Don’t swim or surf with it in your pocket.
- Thoroughly dry your hands before handling it.
- Keep it in a waterproof case or dry bag when doing water activities.
- Rinse it with freshwater if exposed to seawater, chlorine or liquids other than freshwater.
As long as you use basic caution, your iPhone 7 should survive splashes and spills. But don’t intentionally submerge it, especially in the sea.
Is the iPhone 7 Warranty Valid if Water Damaged?
Unfortunately, Apple’s standard 1-year limited warranty does not cover liquid damage to the iPhone 7. According to Apple, “This Warranty does not apply…to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact…”
You can purchase the optional AppleCare+ plan to get additional coverage for accidental damage from liquid for up to two years. Each incident is subject to a service fee – $99 for iPhone 7 screen or back glass damage, or $299 for other liquid damage.
Without AppleCare+, any water damage repairs would not be covered under the iPhone 7’s warranty.
How to Dry a Wet iPhone 7
If your iPhone 7 does get splashed or wet, follow these steps to dry it out:
- Wipe off all excess moisture with a clean, soft cloth.
- Do not charge it or plug it into any ports if still wet.
- Allow it to air dry completely for at least 24 hours.
- Place it in front of a fan or use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to speed up drying.
- Put it in a sealed bag with drying agents like silica gel packs.
- Once fully dry, check for any damage before turning it on and using.
Avoid using things like vacuum cleaners, heaters or microwaves to dry the iPhone, as these can cause further damage. Letting it dry out slowly at room temperature is safest.
Signs of Liquid Damage in iPhone 7
Here are some signs that liquid has damaged the internal components of your iPhone 7:
- Blurry, distorted or flickering display
- Touchscreen unresponsive or behaving erratically
- Buttons or ports not functioning
- Speakers sound muffled
- Microphone picks up distorted audio
- Cameras produce blurry photos or videos
- Device randomly reboots, freezes or shuts down
- Corrosion around ports, buttons or SIM tray
Any of these issues can indicate component failure from liquid exposure. You may need internal repairs or full device replacement if water damage is severe.
Professional Water Damage Repairs
If your iPhone 7 experiences issues after getting wet, you can contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance. They can run diagnostics to check for internal water damage.
Out-of-warranty liquid damage repair costs start at $749 for an iPhone 7 with Apple’s flat rate pricing. Costs may be higher depending on your location and local labor rates.
Alternatively, you can get quotes from reputable independent repair shops experienced in water damage cleaning and component-level microsoldering repairs. Costs are usually 30-50% less than Apple’s out-of-warranty fees.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 7 does have improved water resistance compared to older iPhones, it is still not designed for use underwater or prolonged submersion. Its IP67 rating only protects against incidental splashes, spills and brief immersion in freshwater. To avoid liquid damage, do not intentionally submerge an iPhone 7, especially in seawater. With proper precautions, you can use it at the pool or beach, but keep it away from the water’s edge and never swim with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with my iPhone 7?
No, you should avoid exposing your iPhone 7 to pressurized streams of water like showers. The water jets can push past the IP67 seals and cause damage.
Can I go swimming in the ocean with iPhone 7?
It is not recommended to swim in the ocean with an iPhone 7. The saltwater, waves and pressure at depth can exceed its IP67 water resistance limits and cause corrosion or leaks.
Is the iPhone 7 waterproof enough for snorkeling?
No, the iPhone 7 does not have sufficient water sealing to withstand use while snorkeling. The water pressure a few feet underwater combined with potential prolonged submersion make it high risk for damage.
Can I use iPhone 7 in a hot tub or jacuzzi?
No, hot tubs can exceed the temperature, jet pressure and chemical resistance thresholds of the iPhone 7 seals. It is not designed for use in hot tubs or jacuzzis.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
Yes, purchasing AppleCare+ extends Apple’s warranty coverage to include accidental damage from liquid spills and submersion. There is a service fee per incident.
Summary
- iPhone 7 has IP67 water resistance, but is not fully waterproof.
- Can withstand splashes, spills and brief immersion in freshwater only.
- Not designed for use underwater or in seawater.
- Take precautions when using it near pools or at the beach.
- Liquid damage is not covered under standard warranty.
- AppleCare+ optional for liquid damage protection.
- Dry it thoroughly if it gets wet and look for damage signs.
In summary, exercise caution when using an iPhone 7 near water and do not intentionally submerge it, to avoid potential liquid damage issues. With proper precautions, it can withstand splashes, spills and brief freshwater immersion within its IP67 water resistance limits.
| iPhone Model | Water Resistance Rating | Maximum Depth | Maximum Time Submerged |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
| iPhone 8 | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
| iPhone X | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
| iPhone XS | IP68 | 2 meters | 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11 Pro | IP68 | 4 meters | 30 minutes |
This table compares the water resistance ratings and test depths and times for iPhone models from the iPhone 7 onwards. While water resistance has improved in newer models, even the iPhone 11 Pro is only rated for 4 meters, and Apple still recommends against intentional submersion.
How iPhone water resistance compares to other popular phones
| Phone | IP Rating | Max Depth |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 Pro | IP68 | 4 meters |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | IP68 | 1.5 meters |
| Google Pixel 4 | IP68 | 1.5 meters |
| OnePlus 7 Pro | No rating | No rating |
This table compares the International Protection (IP) water ingress ratings and tested maximum depths of the latest iPhone and popular Android flagship phones. The iPhone 11 Pro has the highest IP68 rating, making it the most water resistant among these options while still not being fully waterproof.
Tips to keep your iPhone dry
Here are some useful tips to help prevent your iPhone from getting wet and reduce the chance of potential water damage:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water – they provide much better protection than just the phone’s IP rating alone.
- Attach a lanyard or strap so you won’t drop the phone in the water by accident.
- Keep your phone in a dry bag or waterproof pocket when doing water sports.
- Don’t bring your phone into pools, hot tubs or steam rooms.
- Be careful not to spill drinks near your phone and keep it away from sinks.
- In rain, keep your phone inside your jacket instead of pants pockets.
- Dry your hands thoroughly before handling your phone if they are wet.
- Consider getting AppleCare+ for coverage in case it does get wet.
By being cautious and using protective accessories, you can avoid exposing your iPhone to excess moisture and reduce the risk of costly liquid damage as much as possible.
What to do if your phone gets wet
If your iPhone accidentally gets splashed or wet, follow these steps:
- Immediately power off the phone if it’s still on.
- Do not try to charge it or plug in any cables.
- Dry the phone with a soft, absorbent cloth to soak up excess moisture.
- Leave it to air dry for at least 24 hours before powering back on.
- Do not use things like hairdryers or vacuums to speed up drying.
- Place it near a fan or in front of a dehumidifier overnight.
- Put it in a sealed bag with moisture absorbing packs.
- After completely drying, check for any damage before use.
- Visit Apple Support if you notice any issues after it dries.
Following these steps can help mitigate and minimize potential internal damage when drying out a wet iPhone. Never try to quicken drying with heat sources, and allow sufficient time to air dry before using it again.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 7 is splash, water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating, it is not fully waterproof and should not be used underwater or intentionally submerged in seawater. Take precautions to keep it dry and do not swim with it. If it does get wet, do not charge it until completely dried out to avoid short-circuiting or corrosion damage. With proper care, your iPhone 7 can withstand occasional splashes and brief freshwater exposure within its water resistance limits.