Water resistance has become a popular feature in smartphones over the past few years. Apple first introduced water resistance with the iPhone 7 in 2016, and has continued offering it on newer models like the iPhone XS. But how waterproof are the newest iPhones really? Let’s take a look at the details.
IP Rating
The iPhone XS and XS Max have an IP68 water resistance rating under IEC standard 60529. This means they are rated to withstand submersion in fresh water up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) for 30 minutes. However, Apple does warn that liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
Here is a breakdown of what the IP68 rating entails:
- IP stands for Ingress Protection
- The first digit (6) indicates dust protection level – the higher the number, the better protection against dust.
- The second digit (8) indicates water protection level on a scale from 1 to 9.
So while IP68 offers excellent protection against dust and submersion, it is not completely impervious to water damage over extended periods of time.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof
It’s important to understand the difference between water resistance and waterproof. Waterproof implies complete and indefinite protection against water, which no smartphone can offer. Water resistant means the device is designed to withstand common water exposure to a certain depth and time.
Apple intentionally avoids calling their devices waterproof and uses the term water resistant instead. Even with an IP68 rating, Apple does not recommend intentionally submerging the iPhone.
Water Resistance in Real-World Use
How does the iPhone XS hold up against water in real-world use? Here are some examples:
- The iPhone XS can be safely used in the rain without damage.
- It can handle spilled drinks and even be rinsed off under a faucet.
- You can wash your hands while texting or talking on the phone.
- It can be briefly submerged in a pool or freshwater lake, but should not be kept underwater for extended periods.
- Ocean water, salt water pools, soaps, shampoos and other liquids may impact water resistance over time.
Many users report successfully using an iPhone XS in wet environments without any water damage. However, there are also many reports of water damage despite the IP68 rating. Overall, the iPhone XS water resistance protects well against common spills and submersion, but intentional water exposure is not recommended.
Liquid Contact Indicators
The iPhone XS contains special liquid contact indicators that change color when exposed to water. These are small paper-like stickers inside the SIM card slot. Their purpose is to show water damage during repair or warranty claims. If the sticker has turned red, Apple considers that conclusive proof of liquid exposure.
So while the iPhone XS may work normally even after water exposure, the LCI stickers will tell Apple if it has gotten wet on the inside. This prevents false warranty claims for water damage.
Factors That Can Impact Water Resistance
There are several variables that can influence water resistance and potentially compromise the iPhone XS waterproofing:
- Depth – Water pressure increases the deeper you go, which can overpower water seals.
- Duration – The longer the iPhone is submerged, the more opportunity for water to penetrate seals.
- Water temperature – Very warm or cold water is more likely to cause thermal shock damage.
- Chemicals – Soaps, pool/hot tub chemicals, salt water, etc can degrade water seals over time.
- Physical damage – Any cracks or openings can provide a direct path for water to enter critical components.
Apple also warns against exposing the iPhone to pressurized water or high velocity water jets. These conditions go beyond the IP68 testing parameters and may result in water damage.
Maintaining Water Resistance
To keep your iPhone XS optimally water resistant, follow these usage and maintenance tips:
- Avoid excessive submersion beyond the IP68 rating limits
- Thoroughly rinse off the iPhone with fresh water after exposure to chlorinated or salty water
- Check for cracks/damage and immediately repair to prevent compromising water seals
- Keep the charging port, speaker, microphones free of debris that could obstruct sealing
- Replace worn water seals if liquid contact indicators have turned red
- Use Apple authorized service for any repairs to ensure waterproofing is maintained
Water Damage Repairability
If your iPhone XS does suffer from water damage, how repairable is it? Here is an overview:
- Liquid contact indicators clearly show if internal water damage has occurred
- Water damage may not be immediately apparent and take time to manifest
- Mineral deposits and corrosion can form on logic boards and connectors
- Critical components may be irreparably damaged beyond just drying out
- Full board-level repair or replacement is often required in cases of water damage
- Cost of repair for water damage is typically $500+ without AppleCare coverage
Water damage repair is complex because it is often not just a matter of drying out the device. Corrosion can continue over time and damaged components may fail prematurely. For this reason, repair costs are high and success rate is low compared to other types of iPhone repair.
Water Damage Diagnostic Tests
Apple authorized service providers use a set of diagnostic tests to detect water damage in an iPhone, including:
- Visual inspection – Check for corrosion, mineral deposits, water stains
- Liquid contact indicator – Inspect water damage stickers in SIM slot
- Ultrasonic testing – Emit high-freq sound waves to identify interior water
- Power on testing – Check for immediate or intermittent failure when powered on
- Function testing – Test buttons, speakers, microphones, cameras, etc for issues
- X-ray imaging – Reveals internal corrosion not visible externally
These tests can identify water damage even if the iPhone appears to function normally. If liquid contact stickers have been triggered, Apple will not cover any related damage under warranty.
Cost of Water Damage Repair
Here are the typical costs for out-of-warranty water damage repair from Apple:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone XS logic board replacement | $549 |
| iPhone XS back glass replacement | $399 |
| iPhone XS display and sensor replacement | $279 |
Additional charges may also apply for diagnostic testing and other components that need replacement. The costs can quickly add up for extensive water damage requiring multiple repairs.
Preventing Water Damage
Here are some tips to keep your iPhone XS protected from water damage:
- Use a waterproof case for water sports or beach activities
- Avoid setting the phone on wet surfaces
- Don’t bathe/swim with your iPhone even if it is IP68 rated
- Keep the phone away from children around water
- Immediately dry the phone with a cloth if it gets splashed or wet
- Avoid spills by not eating/drinking near your iPhone
- Exercise caution using your phone in rain or snow
- Don’t charge your iPhone if it is noticeably wet
Being mindful of these precautions will help you avoid costly water damage repairs and keep your iPhone XS working great.
AppleCare+ Coverage
Investing in AppleCare+ for your iPhone XS can help save on water damage repair costs. Here is what is covered:
- Up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months
- Each incident subject to a service fee – $29 for screen damage, $99 for other damage
- Covers both water damage and physical damage
- Must be purchased within 60 days of getting your iPhone
AppleCare+ extends your iPhone warranty for two years and gives you access to expert technical support. For iPhone owners who know they are prone to accidents, it can provide valuable protection against costly water damage repairs.
Third Party Waterproof Cases
Another option to safeguard against water damage is using a waterproof case. Here are some top third party cases that offer water protection for the iPhone XS:
| Case | Waterproof Rating | Features |
|---|---|---|
| LifeProof FRE | IP68 up to 2m | Full enclosure, screen protector, drop protection |
| Otterbox Strada | IP68 up to 2m | Leather folio design, screenless exterior |
| Catalyst Impact Protection | IP68 up to 10m | Durable rubber and plastic exterior |
A good waterproof case can provide water protection beyond what the iPhone XS offers alone. Cases range from sleek designs to heavy duty enclosures depending on your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone XS does feature impressive water resistance that protects against common water exposure. However, it is not completely waterproof and has limits to the depth and duration it can withstand submersion.
While the IP68 rating is a useful benchmark, real-world water damage depends on many factors. Some recommended precautions include avoiding prolonged liquid exposure, immediately drying if wet, and repairing any physical damage. With proper care, an iPhone XS can reliably withstand light rain, splashes and accidental drops in water.
For heavy water exposure such as boating or swimming, a waterproof case provides an additional layer of protection. AppleCare+ also greatly reduces repair costs if water damage does occur. Overall, the iPhone XS delivers good water resistance for daily use, but owners should exercise caution around water to prevent costly damage.