Are Apple Watches waterproof? Everything you need to know
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Is your Apple Watch waterproof? Well, the short answer is no, not quite, but most models are water resistant, so they won’t get damaged if exposed to or submerged in water to a certain depth. But there are different levels of water resistance on Apple Watches, so it’s best to know exactly how your watch is rated before jumping into pools or hot tubs.
The good news for Apple Watch owners is that the days of breaking your precious Apple product because you got caught in the rain are over. Even the oldest Apple Watches offer some degree of protection against moisture, and each watch comes with a rating to tell you exactly how much water it can handle.
If you’re in the market for a new Apple Watch and plan to wear it to bathe, swim, or even play ocean sports, read on to learn what activities and depth your new watch can handle. Keep in mind that your Apple warranty usually won’t cover water damage, so it’s essential to keep the water resistance ratings in mind (unless, of course, you want to buy a new watch.)
If you’re considering buying a new Apple Watch, we’ve rounded up the best prices for you here:
A note on water resistance
Unlike most electronics, including iPhones, iPads and all other tablets and smartphones, Apple watches do not use an IP rating for water resistance. Instead, they use the standard watch grading method, based on depth.
However, a rating to say 50m doesn’t mean you have to take it anywhere near 50m – it just means that in lab tests it was able to withstand the amount of pressure you’d find at that depth (which is about 4.5 times the amount at the surface.)
But – outside of the Apple Watch Ultra, which was designed with divers in mind – there’s really no reason to test that yourself, as it could damage your watch. If you need a smartwatch for scuba diving or freediving, you’re better off buying one that doubles as a dive computer, like the aforementioned Ultra, or one from another brand, like the Garmin descent (opens in new tab).
It’s also important to note that Apple Watches are generally not designed to withstand repeated high-energy shocks. Jumping into a pool or ocean is no problem, but don’t wear it for more extreme sports, such as water skiing or surfing. You’ll probably be fine a few times, but too many high-speed shocks can compromise water resistance and eventually ruin your watch.
For official details on Apple Watches water resistance, visit Apple’s dedicated support page (opens in new tab).