Is the iPhone 8 Waterproof?

Most mobile phones are water-resistant, not waterproof. They are only able to resist, but not entirely withstand, water penetration. Therefore, are not impervious to water. Mobile phones and other devices designed to be “waterproof,” as well as dust proof, receive a rating from a group known as the IEC or International Electrotechnical Commission.

Their rating comes in the form of the two letters IP that stands for “ingress protection,” followed by a two-digit number. The first number defines the level of protection against dirt, dust and sand and the second number refers to the level of protection against water. The Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 series, as well as Apple’s iPhone XR all received a rating of IP67. What does this mean?

The first number, 6, means that these phones are impenetrable by dust as 6 is the highest rating a device can receive in that category. However, the second number, 7, falls two steps below the highest 9K waterproof rating. 7 out of 9 is not a bad score. On the contrary, a water-resistance rating of 7, according to the IEC, technically signifies that the “ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1m of submersion).”

Simply speaking, it means that a device rated 7 should be able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter, or 3.28 feet, for up to 30 minutes. So if your iPhone gets immersed in shallow water (no deeper than 3 feet) for a half-hour or less, your phone should be okay. Any deeper or any longer and you are risking your phone’s “life.”

It is common knowledge that water breaks electronic gadgets. Our devices are susceptible to water damage because of the presence of ions in the water. These ion particles influence conductivity- how easily electricity can move throughout the product. When ions enter an electronic device, they can affect how the machine originally conducts electricity. The ions can cause electricity to move incorrectly, therefore, stopping the machinery from functioning properly. Different types of water have different ionic levels, thus affecting electronics differently. Distilled water has very few ions and will have less of an effect on electronics than tap water, whereas salt water has a high amount of ions and will cause electronic failure more quickly than tap and distilled water.

According to Apple, “Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.” Apple advises the following to prevent liquid damage: swimming or bathing with your iPhone, exposing your iPhone to pressurized water or high velocity water (such as in scuba diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, or surfing), using your iPhone in a sauna or steam room, operating your iPhone outside the suggested temperature ranges or in extremely humid conditions, dropping your iPhone or subjecting it to other impacts, disassembling your iPhone (including removing screws). Apple also warns against exposing you device to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, bug repellent, sunscreen, hair dye, oil, acids or acidic foods, detergent and other chemicals. These can negatively affect water resistance. Unfortunately, in an Apple Support webpage, Apple states that, “Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.”

Additional water protection for the Apple iPhone 8

To make a truly waterproof gadget, manufacturers will need to figure out a way to prevent ions in water from interfering with electricity flow. In the meantime, you might be asking yourself, how then do I protect my iPhone 8 from water damage?

 

Swimming in shallow water with the iPhone 8 with added water protection

There are waterproof iPhone cases that can help protect your iPhone 8 and other gadgets from water damage. Catalyst offers the ultimate waterproof case for the ultimate device. The Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 8 is not only waterproof. It is also drop-proof, stylish and fully-functional. It allows full access to all buttons, sensors, cameras, flash and Touch ID (including full fingerprint scan). Built using impact-resistant polycarbonate, the case features completely transparent front and back sections which highlight the original look and style of your iPhone without sacrificing any functionality. The waterproof iPhone case gives your device an additional layer of protection by increasing the IEC water-resistance IP rating from 7 to 8. A device with an IEC IP rating of IP68 can now be submerged in up to 33 feet of water. It is of military standard impact protection as it can withstand vertical drops from 6.6 feet or 2 meters. It is also compatible with the Apple iPhone 7.

 

Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 8 and 7 in Stealth Black

Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 8 and 7 also showcase other key features apart from those mentioned above:

• It is fully sealed against dust, dirt and snow.
• It has premium, non-slip, soft-touch rubber exterior.
• The purchase includes a wrist lanyard that attaches to the case for extra security.
• It has a unique, patented, rotating crown dial switches mute on and off.
• The integrated ultra-sensitive screen protector maintains full touchscreen access including Control Center and swipe functions.
• Catalyst's signature True Sound Acoustics allows clear sound transmission from 50Hz to 20,000Hz allowing the user to hear calls, music and videos clearly.
• The hard coated optical camera lens is not recessed so it will not trap dirt, snow or water, which might otherwise impede photography.
• The case is easy to install and remove from the iPhone.
• It is made of durable materials that do not limit the number of times it can be re-assembled.

Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 8 and 7 with wrist lanyard (floater sold separately)

If you are too late to the Catalyst Waterproof iPhone Case party, here is what you should if your iPhone 8 gets wet:

• Power off your device. Due to their conductive natures (because of the ions), water and other liquids short-circuit electronics.
• Do not power on your iPhone, do not charge it, and do connect it to other devices without proper time to dry.
• Lay your phone in a safe, dry place. Allow at least 48 hours for all the liquid to evaporate.
• Alternatively, you can place your iPhone in a plastic bag filled with uncooked rice. Dry rice grains act as a safe, natural alternative to other desiccants, such as silica gel, and absorb excess liquid while being too large to enter ports or separations in the phone body.
• While your iPhone dries, review the terms of your warranty. Liquid damage is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, as well as any AppleCare coverage. But third-party warranty vendors offer coverage for accidental drops, spills, and submersion. If you own one of these warranties, you can simply file a claim to replace your equipment, regardless of the condition your iPhone is in.