Apple has always advertised the Apple Watch as “Water-Resistant” (not “water-proof”), meaning it can withstand light rain or a light spray. That accounts for getting wet and having to wash your hands.
However, starting with the Series 2, Apple has claimed that all subsequent Apple Watch models are waterproof up to 50 meters. Here you will find out is the apple watch series 3 waterproof. They are essentially claiming, “We are confident in the fact that our product is splash-proof, but it could only be submerged.”
They argue that because it’s impossible to know for sure that the person being submerged will be sent to a more typical setting. In the case of electronic devices, salt water can corrode internal seals and corrode the casing.
Taking the watch deeper than it was designed to go can damage it. Even though Apple doesn’t officially advertise it, the Apple Watch is generally safe to submerge in water. Here you will find out is the apple watch series 3 waterproof.
Is The Original Apple Watch Waterproof?
IEC standard 60529 gives the original Apple Watch from 2015 an IPX7 grade for resistance to water. Below, we go into greater detail on IP ratings, but in short, this implies that it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Although the original Apple Watch was designed to withstand water splashes (Tim Cook was even said to wear his in the shower), Apple warns that full submersion is not recommended. If your watch does get wet, head on over to these instructions for dealing with a wet Apple Watch.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Waterproof?
According to ISO standard 22810:2010, the Apple Watch Series 3 is just as water-resistant as the Series 2. Swimming in shallow water is fine, but “high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth” activities such as scuba diving and waterskiing are discouraged.
While all Apple Watches offer some degree of resistance to water, Apple is cautious about using terms like “waterproof,” which give the impression that the watches are impervious to water. They can only take so much before breaking.
Apple Watches are Varying Degrees of Water-Resistant
Water resistance is included into all Apple Watch models, but none are waterproof. Technically speaking, the original Apple Watch and Series 1 have an IPX7 water resistance rating according to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard 60529, while Series 2, 3, 4, and 5 (the most recent model) have an IP68 water resistance rating according to ISO standard 22810:2010, which allows them to withstand immersion in water up to 50 meters in depth.
It’s fine to wear your Apple Watch when working out (and thus exposing it to sweat), as well as in the rain and even while swimming. But scuba diving or water skiing, in which the watch is submerged below a short depth or exposed to high velocity water, are not recommended uses for this watch.
However, extra caution should be exercised if you’re still using an Apple Watch Series 1 or earlier model. Apple Watch and Series 1 timepieces are splash- and water-resistant, although Apple does not advocate submerging them.
You Probably Shouldn’t Shower with Your Apple Watch
In theory, you can take a shower while wearing an Apple Watch (Series 2, 3, 4, or 5), but you probably shouldn’t because the water seals and acoustic membranes can be compromised by contact with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and perfumes.
Shampoo and soap include chemicals that can weaken the Apple Watch’s water resistance.
Conclusion
Apple has recently become very vocal about the water resistance of their products, but this was not always the case. Prior to the release of the iPhone 7 (and Apple Watch Series 2), Apple did not release IP ratings, even though competitors were proudly advertising their devices’ ability to withstand splashes, sprays, and even complete submersion in liquid.
Since Apple has been producing and marketing wearables long before IP ratings were common knowledge, it can be difficult to discuss the water resistance of the Apple Watch. Newer Apple Watches have been officially certified as highly water-resistant, but this is less clear for previous versions.
