One of the new features included in Apple's high-end OLED iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max is improved water and dust resistance, with the two devices now offering an IP68 rating, equivalent to Samsung's Galaxy S9 smartphones.

The IP68 rating means the iPhone XS and XS Max can withstand water up to two meters (6.6 feet) deep for approximately 30 minutes. In this number, the IP6x rating refers to dust resistance while the 8 represents water resistance.

iphonexsxsmax
IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, so the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are fully protected from dust and dirt. The new IP68 rating is up from the IP67 rating of previous iPhones.

Apple's iPhone XR is also water and dust resistant, but it is IP67 rated rather than IP68 rated, like the iPhone X. IP67 means that the iPhone XR can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes.

Apple does not cover any kind of water damage to its iOS devices, so it's always best to use caution when exposing a water resistant iPhone to liquids.

Apple also warns that seals against water resistance can weaken over time, which is another reason why it's best not to deliberately expose iPhones to moisture. In general, though, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will hold up to accidental splashes of water and rain.

The Apple Watch Series 4, also newly announced, continues to feature the same water resistance rating as the Apple Watch Series 3. It has a water resistance of rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.

That means the Apple Watch Series 4 is suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or an ocean, but it should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities that involve exposure to deep water or high-velocity water.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

BootsWalking Avatar
92 months ago
The new IPx resistance rating is useful when you're financially underwater after paying for the phone.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
veechu Avatar
92 months ago
Iphone X was rated IP67 but I just used it in a swimming pool and its gone. Apple shouldn't advertise any feature that is not covered by warranty. Otherwise its fraud.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reapro Avatar
92 months ago
Apple started the presentation with this 'big' announcement. From that moment on I knew it would be the smallest update Apple has ever introduced.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sasparilla Avatar
92 months ago
Nice to see the bump on this, keep on refining them.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
92 months ago
So let's say I go kayaking and don't *plan* to roll my kayak, though that's always a possibility. Would it be safe to put an iPhone XS in my pocket? I considered buying an Apple Watch for kayaking but would rather just stick to my phone..
The IP rating test is a static test done in controlled conditions and does not account for variable pressures associated with moving water of varying depths. IP68 is not designed to protect you from kayaking mishaps. Better safe than sorry. QuarterSwede has good advice.

It’s rated at 2m for 30min under water. I’d still use a dry case or box personally. It would probably survive but do you want to take that chance? Besides if it comes out kayaking it’ll probably be lost. Put it in something that floats. This is coming from someone who lost his Apple Watch Series 3 to the Atlantic Ocean. The bands don’t float.
This. It would probably survive. Unnecessarily risking a $1K+ phone on a 50/50 proposition seems...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QuarterSwede Avatar
92 months ago
So let's say I go kayaking and don't *plan* to roll my kayak, though that's always a possibility. Would it be safe to put an iPhone XS in my pocket? I considered buying an Apple Watch for kayaking but would rather just stick to my phone..
It’s rated at 2m for 30min under water. I’d still use a dry case or box personally. It would probably survive but do you want to take that chance? Besides if it comes out kayaking it’ll probably be lost. Put it in something that floats. This is coming from someone who lost his Apple Watch Series 3 to the Atlantic Ocean. The bands don’t float.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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