Water resistance protects modern smartphones against accidental spills and rain, but official ratings like IP68 do not mean handsets are fully waterproof, CNET reported. While devices like the iPhone 18 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra can survive submersion under specific laboratory conditions, manufacturers warn against exposing phones to swimming pools, ocean water, or high-pressure showers.
Understanding IP67, IP68, and IPX8 Ratings
Ingress Protection ratings are standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission to classify how well enclosures keep out solids and liquids. The first digit measures protection against dust on a scale from 0 to 6, while the second digit measures moisture resistance from 0 to 8. An IP68 rating requires a device to withstand immersion in at least 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, though manufacturers often specify stricter thresholds.
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for depths up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Samsung specifies a depth of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, CNET reported. Both devices share the same IP68 classification despite the differing depth limits set by each manufacturer.
Why Laboratory Tests Differ From Real-World Swimming
Controlled lab tests use stationary, fresh water without movement, pressure, or chemical additives. Moving a phone through water increases liquid pressure, raising the risk of moisture breaching the seals. Chlorinated pool water and saltwater differ from the fresh water used in lab tests.
Apple explicitly lists swimming, bathing, and showering as activities to avoid with an iPhone. High-velocity water jets, steam rooms, and exposure to soaps, sunscreens, or insect repellents can also degrade water resistance.
What Unrated and Water-Repellent Phones Can Handle
Budget models and unrated phones may not undergo formal International Electrotechnical Commission testing because these tests can be time-consuming and costly. Devices described simply as water-resistant may survive sudden rain or accidental splashes, but full submersion poses a significant risk. Handsets carrying no stated water resistance lack internal protections and require complete isolation from liquids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phone Water Resistance
Can I take my iPhone 18 Pro into the ocean?
It is not recommended to take the iPhone 18 Pro into the ocean.
Does the iPhone 18 Pro Max have higher water resistance than the standard Pro?
Both models share the exact same IP68 rating and are tested to a maximum depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes under IEC standard 60529.
What should I do if my phone gets wet in a pool?
If a phone gets wet, dry it using the steps provided by the manufacturer.