While the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max became available to order less than a month ago, the rumor mill is already looking ahead to next year.

water iphone xs
In a research note to investors, shared by the Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said 2019 iPhones will have the same IP68-rated water resistance as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Both devices are water resistant up to a depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes.

Kuo said that "the new iPhone waterproof specifications will remain unchanged next year," according to a translated version of the report.

IP codes refer to the degree of protection an iPhone has against dust and liquid. The "6" means the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are dustproof, while the "8" represents the highest level of liquid resistance.

IP68 is effectively the highest rating iPhones can achieve under the IP code standard, but there is no limit on conditions like water depth and pressure. 2019 iPhones could have had IP68-rated water resistance up to three meters, for example, but that will not be the case according to Kuo.

This isn't really bad news, as YouTubers have subjected the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to a variety of extreme underwater tests, and the devices have generally remained functional. That doesn't mean you should go swimming with your bare iPhone, however, as liquid damage is only covered with AppleCare+.

All in all, this is a relatively minor data point about 2019 iPhones, but one to add to the list as we continue to learn about next year's models.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Greenmeenie Avatar
61 months ago
Hey, I think the water resistance on the iPhone is just fine now. What I really wanna see is the same water resistance the iPhone enjoys applied to the iPads! I travel & backpack a lot. The iPad is my go to device for editing photos & videos while on the road. Although I protect it while traveling, I am always nervous about my iPad during a downpour while backpacking thru different countries. I would feel a whole lot better if Apple gave their iPads better water resistance like their iPhones.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benshive Avatar
61 months ago
Honestly I'm just curious what they're going to name them
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pelea Avatar
61 months ago
This is completely unacceptable. I have cancelled my order for the iPhone XI as a result of this
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
61 months ago
2019 can't come soon enough for iphoneland. Waterproofing is the last thing on users minds.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cbird007 Avatar
61 months ago
Wow! Bold prediction.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H.E. Pennypacker Avatar
61 months ago
Has anyone dropped their phone in a toilet as they were peeing?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)