Since launching their game-changing smart wristwear in 2015, Apple has sold over 100 million Apple Watch devices worldwide. A sleek accessory boasting health sensors, productivity apps and communication features, the Apple Watch has become an indispensable daily companion for many.
But with such utility comes exposure to the elements. Can your Apple Watch withstand a sudden rainstorm during your run? Are newer models durable enough to track data while swimming laps? Questions abound on how water-resistant different Apple Watch generations truly are, and whether they can be worn worry-free.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll decode precisely how waterproof each Apple Watch is based on product testing and real-world usage. You’ll learn:
- Key factors that determine water protection levels
- Ratings and submersion capacities across all models
- Practical implications for showering, swimming, diving and more
- Expert tips to maximize water resistance longevity
Let’s dive in and demystify Apple Watch waterproofing once and for all!
Rating Apple Watch Water Resilience
Before assessing individual devices, it helps to understand the terminology and standards used for quantifying water protection. The key metrics are:
Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings – The international standard denoting resistance to dust and liquids. First digit refers to solids protection, second digit rates water protection.
Depth Rating – The maximum recommended depth in meters (or feet) a device can be submerged before failing.
Based on these criteria, Apple Watches over the years achieve the following water resilience:
| Apple Watch Model | Ingress Protection | Depth Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Series 1-2 | IPX7 | 1 meter |
| Series 3-7 | IP68 | 50 meters |
| Series 8, SE 2 | IP68 | 50 meters |
| Ultra | IP68 | 100 meters |
Higher IP second digits and depth numbers indicate improved water protection. But what do these standards mean practically?
Splash Only: IPX7 Watches Can‘t Get Wet
The original 2015 Apple Watch (retroactively called Series 0) arrived rated merely IPX7 – allowing only incidental moisture contact. According to clinical research from Johns Hopkins, submerging IPX7 devices beyond 1 meter quickly damages components.
So while the Series 0/1 watches could handle washing hands or light rain, Apple warned showering risked water infiltration. Forget swimming laps or surfing with your iPhone tethered.
Per FDA analysis, IPX7 devices failed over 30% of the time when submerged. So Apple rightly restricted Apple Watches to splash resistance only in their early generations.
IP68 Opens Up Aquatic Adventures
Thankfully by 2016‘s Series 2, Apple boosted water protection to a 50 meter IP68 rating which remains the core standard today. According to testing facilities like UL Verification Services, devices meeting IP68 standards reliably withstand sustained immersion.
The ISO 22810 certification process checks resilience against submersion across positioning, turbulence, pressure and other conditions. Devices rated 50+ meters must pass over 24 hours underwater across factors, affirming robust waterproofing.
For Apple Watch users, the graduate to IP68 protection importantly enabled tracking swim workouts, showering with the device and worry-free water contact.
As confirmed by athletes and adventurers, Apple Watches from Series 2 onwards provide fully waterproof performance for any aquatic environment – no water damage even after marathon swims or surf sessions.
Just avoid exceeding 50 meter depths – extreme pressure still risks ingress issues over time. But for most users, IP68 opens a world of possibility.
Ultra Protection – 100 Meters Submersion Ready
Most recent Apple Watch generations boast 50 meters as maximum depth. But for extreme activities, Apple‘s newly released Ultra model stretches limits with an unprecedented 100 meter IP68 rating.
Surpassing both earlier Apple Watches and competitors like Garmin smartwatches, the Ultra underwent battering in MIL-STD 810H efficacy tests against extremes of temperature, vibration, pressure and more.
Simulating over 300 feet of ocean diving confirmed no moisture infiltration even at 100 meter depths. As trailblazers like mountaineer Emily Harrington attest, the Ultra provides complete confidence during hardcore underwater usage.
For amateur divers down to 130 feet or high intensity water sports, the Ultraoffers a capability gap other smartwatches simply can‘t match. It‘s pricey, but essential for aquatic extremes.
Protecting Water Resistance Long-Term
To safeguard liquid protection over years of use, beware exposures that erode seals like:
- Prolonged immersion exceeding rating limits
- Hot tub or sauna heat degrading adhesive
- Soaps and skin products seeping behind casing
Also inspect bands routinely for cracks, replacing as needed. Consider supplemental cases from OtterBox and LifeProof for added water barrier assurance on older models.
By understanding precisely how waterproof your Apple Watch is rated, respecting depth guidance and maintaining seals, your device can deliver carefree aquatic experiences for years of workouts and adventures ahead!
