The Apple Watch has long been a popular choice for people who want a powerful and stylish smartwatch. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, but one of the most interesting is its water resistance. In this article, we take a closer look at the water resistance of the Apple Watch and answer questions such as: "Is the Apple Watch waterproof?", "Can the Apple Watch be used underwater?" and "Is it safe to swim with the Apple Watch?".
Is the Apple Watch waterproof or water resistant?
First of all, it is important to understand the difference between the term "waterproof" and "water resistant". Waterproof means that a device is completely sealed and cannot let water in, even under pressure. On the other hand, water resistant means that a device can withstand some amount of water but may not be completely waterproof. The Apple Watch falls into the category of water-resistant devices.
Apple Watch Water Resistance Ratings
The water resistance of the Apple Watch is indicated by different IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. These ratings indicate the extent to which a device is resistant to water and dust. For example, the Apple Watch Series 6 has an IP68 rating. The "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection" and the number "6" indicates that the watch is dustproof and can remain underwater at a depth of up to 50 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Below is a handy overview of all Apple Watch models and the water resistance
| Apple Watch | Water resistant | Suitable for diving | Dust resistant |
| Apple Watch Ultra | up to 100 meters | up to 40 meters | yes, IP6X |
| Apple Watch 8 | up to 50 meters | no | Yes, IP6X |
| Apple Watch 7 | up to 50 meters | no | Yes, IP6X |
| Apple Watch SE | up to 50 meters | no | no |
| Apple Watch 2 to 6 | up to 50 meters | no | no |
| Apple Watch 1 | splash-proof | no | no |
Can you swim with the Apple Watch?
It is possible to swim with the Apple Watch in shallow water such as a swimming ring or in the sea. The Apple Watch Ultra is also suitable for diving to a depth of 40 meters. The water resistance of the Apple Watch therefore allows users to wear the watch during various water activities, such as swimming.
It's important to note that while the Apple Watch is water resistant, there are some limitations when it comes to swimming. It is recommended not to use the Apple Watch series 2 to 8 in activities that can cause extreme water pressure, such as diving at great depths. It's always wise to refer to Apple's instructions to know the water resistance limitations of your specific Apple Watch model.
While swimming with an Apple Watch, the strap may not be suitable for swimming. Steel and leather straps are not suitable for use in water. On the other hand, the sport straps are suitable for swimming with the Apple Watch.
Underwater use of the Apple Watch
Many people are curious about the possibility of using the Apple Watch underwater. While the Apple Watch is water resistant, functionality is limited when fully submerged. The Apple Watch's touchscreen doesn't work underwater, and pressing the digital crown can be tricky due to water resistance. It is recommended that you operate the Apple Watch above water and only take it underwater after setting up the desired functions.
Start a swimming workout with Apple Watch
Since most Apple Watches are water resistant, Apple has created a special swim workout in the Apple Watch's Workout App. This allows you to track your time, distance, calories and more while swimming.
How do you start a swimming workout?
- Open the Workout App on the Apple Watch.
- Scroll to Pool or Open Water. Use the swimming pool for swimming laps in the swimming pool, for example, and open water for swimming in the sea.
- Tap the desired activity to start the workout.
- For 'Pool' you need to turn the Digital Crown to set the pool length. for example, the Apple Watch can measure the number of lanes and the distance. Then tap 'Start'.
once the workout has started, the Apple Watch screen automatically locks to prevent accidental tapping from water drops. A couple of useful tips while swimming:
- Press the Digital Crown and Side Button at the same time to pause the swim workout.
- Press the Digital Crown and Side Button again to resume the workout.
Take care of waterproofing
Although the Apple Watch is water resistant, it is important to take some precautions to maintain the water resistance. First of all, it is advisable to regularly check the Apple Watch for damage to the housing, buttons or the band. If cracks, breaks, or detachment are observed, water resistance may be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to have the Apple Watch repaired or replaced if necessary. In addition, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the Apple Watch in water after each use to remove any salt or chlorine residue.
Can you shower with the Apple Watch?
It is generally safe and possible to shower with the Apple Watch as the watch has a water resistance rating. The Apple Watch series 2 to Ultra are resistant to splashes of water that can occur during a shower. However, it is important to note that soaps and shampoos can contain chemicals that can harm the water resistance of the Apple Watch. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse the Apple Watch with clean water after showering to remove any residue.
Duration of immersion under water
The duration of submersion of the Apple Watch under water depends on the IP rating of the specific model. Most recent models, such as the Apple Watch Series 7 and 8, are IP68 rated and can be used at a depth of up to 50 meters for up to 30 minutes. However, it is not recommended to submerge the Apple Watch in water for long periods of time. It is important to follow Apple's instructions and not subject the watch to unnecessary pressure or activities that could affect the water resistance.
Apple Watch in the sun
The Apple Watch is designed to be used in a variety of environments, including direct sunlight. The watch has a bright screen that is clearly visible, even in bright sunlight. However, it is important to mention that exposing the Apple Watch to extreme heat for extended periods of time can lead to overheating or other damage to the device. So it is recommended to keep the watch out of direct sunlight if possible and not to leave it on hot surfaces such as a tanning bed or a car dashboard on a summer day.
Overheating of the Apple Watch
While the Apple Watch works well in normal conditions, the device can overheat in extreme conditions. Excessive exposure to heat can cause the watch's internal components to overheat and affect its overall performance. Apple provides some guidelines to avoid overheating, such as avoiding wearing the watch in direct sunlight for extended periods of time or doing strenuous physical activity in very hot conditions. If the watch gets too hot, functions such as heart rate monitoring may be temporarily disabled until the temperature returns to an acceptable range.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch is water resistant and allows users to wear the watch during various water activities, such as swimming. While the Apple Watch has limitations when used underwater, the water resistance and functionality of the watch on land are excellent. Be sure to follow Apple's instructions and understand the water resistance of your specific Apple Watch model to maintain maximum performance. With the Apple Watch you can not only keep track of time, but also track your fitness goals, receive notifications and much more, without the risk of water damage.
This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always refer to the manufacturer's manual and guidelines for specific instructions regarding water resistance and use of the Apple Watch.