When picking up the latest devices, getting something that’s made to last is a high priority for the vast majority of buyers. The iPhone 15 starts at $799 and only goes up in price from there depending on the desired specs. Because of how costly it is to stay current with Apple tech, those looking to buy in want to make sure that the iPhone 15 is able to withstand at least some degree of wear and tear — including potential waterproofing.
QUICK ANSWER
- The iPhone 15 Is Water-Resistant (Not Waterproof)Being waterproof means that a thing is coated in a way that water won’t ever get in there under any circumstances. Water resistance, on the other hand, means that something can support splashes and even being underwater — but it does have a limit.
- iPhone 15 Pro is splash, water, and dust resistant but not waterproof.
Water resistance is a big concern for many people since smartphones get exposed to water nearly every day. In the house, bathrooms and kitchens pose a threat. Outside, your phone could take a dip in pools, lakes, and the ocean. While getting dunked or splashed usually doesn’t mean death for most modern smartphones, there is a spectrum of how much damage, if any, will be done. Here’s what you need to know about whether the iPhone 15 is waterproof and if you should be bringing it poolside.
Are the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus waterproof?
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus share an IP rating of IP68. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the code works: The two numbers represent the device’s resistance to solid particles and liquids. The first number rates solid particle resistance, and it’s based on a scale of 0 to 6 while the second number rates liquid resistance and runs from 0 to 9. Based on that metric, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are about as airtight as you can make a smartphone.
The 6 in its IP rating means that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are “dust-tight” and completely resistant to small solid particles like dust or sand. This means you don’t have to worry about potential damage to your device from getting it dirty. If it does end up dirty, however, you’re able to wash it off with water. How so? The 8 in the IP68 rating denotes that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are cleared for total immersion in fresh water for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of roughly 19 feet (6 meters).
Are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max waterproof?
Just like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rated IP68, which means that they’re dust-tight and water resistant for 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 19 feet. IP68 has become the industry standard for most of the leading smartphone manufacturers’ flagships, and Apple devices have been rated IP68 since the iPhone 11.
While the rating means that the devices are totally dust-tight, it’s important to note that the conditions they’re tested in aren’t completely one-to-one with the ones you may find in the real world with your iPhone. For example, if your display has any sort of crack, you’re at a much higher risk of internal damage from foreign particles than if the screen were in perfect condition.
Is the iPhone 15 resistant to salt water?
While the IP68 rating for the iPhone 15 family says that they’re all good for exposure to fresh water, it’s a little ambiguous about other kinds of liquids. Questions regarding how well devices hold up in salt water are frequently asked as a result. Fresh water is harmless to the iPhone 15 in the ways specified above, but salt water can have devastating effects on it. It’s a good idea, then, to pay special attention to keeping your phone dry when swimming in a salt water pool or when heading to the ocean.