Is the iPhone 13 Waterproof, Splashproof & Usable in Rain?

After buying a new phone, one would think twice before bringing it into contact with water, but there are times when your phone is unintentionally exposed to water, and all you can do is pray that its water protection has held up.

Well, in this article, we’ll specifically take a deep look at Apple’s iPhone 13, and assess whether it’s safe to use the phone near or in water.

Are iPhones Waterproof?

iPhones are generally marketed as these robust devices that can survive under tough conditions. However, despite all the marketing and advertising, iPhones are not waterproof. In fact, no iPhone before the iPhone 7 was officially rated to be even water-resistant.

The iPhone 7 itself was rated IP67 water-resistant, meaning it could withstand submersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. From 2018 onwards, starting with the iPhone XS and XS Max, Apple improved the water resistance to 4 meters for the same amount of time. However, the iPhone XR was still IP67 rated. Since the iPhone 12 series, the maximum depth has remained at 6 meters for 30 minutes.

How “Waterproof” is the iPhone 13?

Apple advertises the iPhone 13 series as splash, water, and dust resistant, tested under controlled laboratory conditions. This means that while the phone is not completely waterproof, it does offer some degree of protection against certain fluids.

How are iPhones Tested to Be Water-Resistant — The IP Rating

iPhones released after 2016 are all “Ingress Protection (IP)” rated, meaning they adhere to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) 60529 standard, which assesses a phone in terms of dust and water resistance, under certain controlled conditions.

Apple advertises the iPhone 13 as having an IP68 rating. The first digit on the IP scale rates the device on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (fully sealed off) for protection against dust, while the second digit measures the device’s resistance against water, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (complete protection from all angles including hot water).

With an IP68 rating, the iPhone 13 offers decent protection against both water and dust, but it’s not that simple, and there are other complications to keep in mind.

Read More: Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

What the iPhone 13’s IP68 Water Resistance Rating Means

While the iPhone 13 does offer some degree of water resistance, it is not completely waterproof. This means that it can only survive submersion in water for a set amount of time at a particular water pressure level before being damaged. In other words, it is great for minor everyday incidents, such as rain or snow, but it is not a full-fledged GoPro.

Specifically, the iPhone 13 series is tested to withstand water levels at up to 6 meters (19.6 feet) for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, this does not mean that you should intentionally submerge your phone in water, even if it is only shallow water for a short period of time.

Hidden Marketing Details

While Apple markets the iPhone 13 as water-resistant up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, it’s important to note that this claim is only true for fresh water. If you immerse your phone in any other chemically treated water, it may not withstand the exposure accordingly.

Also, it’s important to note that any iPhone that gets water damaged will not be covered under Apple’s warranty. Therefore, intentionally pushing your phone’s limits with water exposure can sometimes result in huge, unexpected repair costs.

How the Type of Water Affects Your iPhone’s Water Resistance

Other than the potential risks of having to deal with different chemicals within a fluid, it is important to understand that day-to-day wear and tear can also easily affect a phone’s ability to resist damage from either dust or water, and can essentially hinder its ability to work properly after it has been exposed to these elements.

Any kind of bends or cracks on the phone may compromise the water seal’s effectiveness and, as a result, damage your device, even if it is exposed to a small amount of water.

What to Do If Your iPhone 13 Gets Wet?

If your iPhone 13 has already taken a dip in the water, there are two possible scenarios, and it’s important to handle each one slightly differently.

1. The phone is dead, it doesn’t turn on.
2. The phone works fine.

⤷ The Phone’s Dead

Well, if you’ve found yourself on the difficult end of the spectrum, meaning your iPhone doesn’t turn on after getting wet, don’t plug it in to charge too soon. This could damage your phone further if there is still water inside. It’s possible that the battery just died, so leave the phone to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to turn it on again.

If it still fails to turn on, make sure to take your phone to an (authorized) repair professional to diagnose the issue more deeply.

⤷ The Phone Works Fine

If your phone works perfectly fine, turn it off and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. After doing this, try to remove any water from the ports by gently tapping it in a to-and-fro motion against your palm or a soft surface. Once this is done, leave your phone to dry properly for a few hours before attempting to turn it back on.

Conclusion

While an iPhone 13 in good condition will probably not be affected by moderate amounts of water splashes or submersion, it is always important to assess the situation and decide accordingly.

Since the phone is fully sealed, including its Lightning connector, there is generally no need to worry about water damage, unless the phone shows some major red flags, such as a faulty speaker, camera, or screen. However, it is important to note that even a water-resistant phone is not waterproof, and intentional submersion or exposure to salt water or other corrosive liquids is not recommended.