The iPhone XS is Apple’s flagship smartphone that was released in 2018. One of the most common questions about the iPhone XS is whether it is water resistant or not. In this comprehensive article, we will examine the iPhone XS’s water resistance capabilities and help you understand exactly how waterproof this phone really is.
Is the iPhone XS waterproof?
The iPhone XS is not completely waterproof, but it does have an IP68 water resistance rating. This means that it can withstand being submerged in fresh water up to 2 meters deep for 30 minutes without damage. However, it is not designed to be used underwater for prolonged periods of time.
What is the IP68 rating?
IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and the 68 rating has two digits that describe the device’s protection levels:
- The first digit (6) indicates that the iPhone XS is dust tight and protected against some dust ingress. A 6 rating means it is “dust tight.”
- The second digit (8) indicates how resistant it is to water. An 8 rating means the iPhone XS can withstand immersion in water up to 2 meters deep.
Therefore, an IP68 rating tells us the iPhone XS is both dust resistant and can handle being submerged in fresh water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes with no damage or issues.
What kinds of water damage are covered?
According to Apple, the iPhone XS can withstand the following types of water exposure:
- Accidental splashes, spills, and submersion in fresh water up to 2 meters deep for 30 minutes
- Being used in the rain or snow
- Being washed under a faucet
As long as you retrieve your iPhone XS from the water quickly and follow Apple’s cleaning tips, it should survive brief encounters with common liquids. Do not deliberately submerge the iPhone or use it underwater though.
What conditions does IP68 cover?
The IP68 rating has specific testing conditions that Apple uses to determine water resistance levels:
- Water temperature is between 15°C and 35°C
- Water is freshwater, not other liquids like chlorinated water, soapy water, or alcohol
- Submersion depth is up to 2 meters
- Maximum submersion time is 30 minutes
- There should be minimal water current or wave action
As long as actual use matches these conditions closely, the iPhone XS should survive brief water exposure without issues based on Apple’s IP68 testing.
Does IP68 cover all types of water damage?
No, IP68 water resistance has its limits. Here are some scenarios that may still damage an iPhone XS:
- Submerging it in water deeper than 2 meters
- Keeping it submerged longer than 30 minutes
- Exposing it to pressurized waterjets
- Using the phone in hot tubs, pools, or salty ocean water
- Purposely taking the phone diving or swimming for long periods
In general, the IP68 rating does not cover water damage from liquids other than fresh water. Chemicals, soapy water, chlorinated water, alcohol, juices, lotions, and other liquids can all damage the water seals and enter the iPhone.
Does water damage void the warranty?
Water damage is not covered under Apple’s standard 1-year limited warranty or extended AppleCare+ warranty coverage. If liquid makes its way inside your iPhone XS and causes internal damage, you will need to pay an out-of-warranty fee for repairs.
However, AppleCare+ does cover up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, including water damage, for a lower service fee. So while water exposure may not be covered for free, AppleCare+ can help reduce repair costs in those cases.
How to clean water off the iPhone XS
If your iPhone XS gets splashed or briefly dropped in water, be sure to follow these steps:
- Retrieve it quickly and turn the phone off immediately. This can help prevent short circuits and damage.
- Rinse the phone gently under fresh, clean water to wash away chlorine, dirt, and other contaminants.
- Pat dry the iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth. Don’t rub it roughly.
- Allow the phone to air dry completely before turning it back on.
- Don’t try charging it until it’s 100% dry. Water in the ports can cause damage or electricity issues when charging.
- Avoid using compressed air, hair dryers, or other heating methods to dry the iPhone.
Following Apple’s cleaning steps can help safely dry your phone and maximize its water resistance protections after accidental water exposure.
Tips for using the iPhone XS in wet conditions
While the iPhone XS is water resistant, you’ll want to take precautions when using it in wet conditions:
- Avoid deliberately submerging it or using underwater.
- Keep it away from hot tubs, pools, saltwater, soaps, and chemicals.
- Rinse it with fresh water after beach or pool use.
- Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth after getting it wet.
- Turn it off if submerged and let air dry before using again.
- Avoid charging it until completely dry.
- Use a protective case to give added protection.
While the IP68 rating provides peace of mind for accidental splashes, responsible precautions will keep your iPhone XS working great for years.
Signs of water damage in iPhone XS
If liquid does make its way into your iPhone XS, here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Blurry rear camera
- Microphone not working properly
- Speakers sound muffled or low
- Problems with touchscreen responsiveness
- Charging issues or not charging at all
- Face ID not working
- Visible moisture or fogging under screen or camera lens
- Corrosion around ports, buttons, or SIM tray
If you notice these issues after exposing your phone to liquid, power it down, let it dry out completely, and check again. If problems persist, contact Apple Support to determine next steps.
Cost to repair iPhone XS water damage
Out-of-warranty repair costs for iPhone XS water damage include:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Screen replacement due to water damage | $279 |
| Back glass replacement | $399 |
| Battery replacement | $69 |
| Headphone jack replacement | $169 |
| Rear camera replacement | $139 |
| Motherboard replacement | $349 |
Costs can vary based on exact damage and location. AppleCare+ can reduce the repair fee but doesn’t cover intentional water damage. Protecting your iPhone from liquids remains the best way to avoid costly fixes.
Water resistance compared to other iPhones
How does the iPhone XS water resistance compare to other recent iPhone models?
| iPhone Model | IP Rating | Maximum Depth | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS | IP68 | 2 meters | 30 minutes |
| iPhone XR | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
| iPhone X | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
| iPhone 8 | IP67 | 1 meter | 30 minutes |
While the iPhone XS isn’t fully waterproof, it offers better water and dust resistance than previous iPhones. But any iPhone model requires caution around liquids to prevent permanent damage.
Aftermarket waterproof cases
You can add extra water protection for your iPhone XS with a waterproof case from brands like:
- LifeProof
- Otterbox
- Catalyst
- Dog & Bone
- Ghostek
Some of these cases are designed for underwater use, diving, boating, beach trips, and other wet activities. They seal the iPhone from water much better than the built-in water seals.
Just keep in mind that most waterproof case manufacturers don’t cover water damage to your iPhone under warranty. You use them at your own risk.
Is the iPhone XS waterproof case needed?
With its IP68 rating, the iPhone XS has decent water resistance without a case and can handle common spills and accidents. However, a waterproof case provides added protection in risky situations:
- Frequent beach or pool use
- Boating, kayaking, fishing trips
- Using the phone in a hot tub
- Underwater photography
- Very young children prone to dropping phones in water
- Butterfingers who tend to spill drinks on their phone
While not required, a waterproof case gives peace of mind if your iPhone XS gets heavy water exposure. But it’s still smart to avoid unnecessary risks like diving with your phone.
Conclusion
To summarize, the iPhone XS has an IP68 water resistance rating that can protect it from accidental splashes, spills, and brief immersion in fresh water up to 2 meters deep. However, it is not fully waterproof and has limits to the water exposure it can survive.
To safely use an iPhone XS around water:
- Avoid deliberate, prolonged submersion.
- Rinse it gently in fresh water after wet use.
- Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Turn it off and let dry fully before charging.
- Use a waterproof case for added protection.
- Avoid hot tubs, chlorinated water, and ocean water.
While the iPhone XS is somewhat water resistant, it’s still an electronic device vulnerable to liquid damage. Responsible use of protective cases and avoiding unnecessary risks is your best bet for keeping your iPhone XS safe from water damage over its lifetime.
