In this blog, we’re going to answer one of the most common questions we get asked. A lot of people ask if Apple Watches are waterproof. The short answer is yes, but there’s a little more to it than that. We’ll go over the detail in this blog post so you can make an informed decision about your purchase. There’s a lot to cover, so grab a drink and get stuck in.
Is the Apple Watch Series 1 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 1 is Splash Resistant but not waterproof.
Is the Apple Watch Series 2 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010. So, as long you don’t plan on doing deep dives with it or going too far out in the ocean for your swims, this watch can handle swimming just like any top of the range smartwatch!
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Waterproof?
Yes – under ISO standard 22810:2010 it should be fine up to 50m. The Apple Watch Series 3 water resistance capability makes it the perfect swim watch. You can go swimming with it, just make sure not to dive too deep!
Is the Apple Watch Series 4 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. In other words, you can take it swimming quite safely provided your don’t go super-deep.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Waterproof?
Like the Apple Watch Series 4, and all models since the series two, under ISO standard 22810:2010 the watch is fine up to 50m. This means you can go swimming with it, just be sure to stay surface level.
Is the Apple Watch Series 6 Waterproof?
Just like its more recent counterparts, the Apple Watch Series 6 will be fine underwater up to 50m thanks to its rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.
Is the Apple Watch SE Waterproof?
Again, the Apple Watch SE will be fine underwater up to 50m thanks to its rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.
So, Which Apple Watches Are Waterproof?
Sadly, no Apple Watches are fully waterproof. Apple Watches have been designed for the active lifestyle but like with all things it’s a scale. If you’re looking for a watch to go deep-sea diving with, the Apple Watch might not be for you. In it’s most simplest form, Apple Watches are not fully waterproof as you probably know now after reading the above. They are Water Resistant and the difference is very important to know.
Waterproof and Water Resistant – What’s the difference?
A lot people think that water-resistant and waterproof are the same thing, however, in reality, they can be very, very different and it’s important that you know the difference before you go deep-sea diving with your new Apple Watch.
Broadly speaking, we believe that a device that’s labelled water-resistant shouldn’t get damaged from being immersed or dipped in shallow water for a short period of time. However, the difference between waterproof and water-resistant is whether it can withstand exposure to more than just droplets of liquid.
A true example of a ‘waterproof’ gadget would be submerging it underwater without worry about its condition afterwards (think GoPro). This differs from a water-resistant gadget that might be able to withstand the rain but not swimming for a long period of time.
Splash Resistant vs. Water Resistant – What’s the difference?
Naturally, there is a big benefit for companies to shout about their tech being fully waterproof, however, the design and technology is still in its infancy and so a lot of companies, including Apple, tend to opt for promising water or splash resistance capabilities.
So what’s the difference between Splash Resistant and Water Resistant tech? One way to think of it is as a scale. If we assume that on one side of the scale is waterproof which means that you can wear your watch underwater forever and it won’t have any damage, then splash resistant is the other end of the scale, with water-resistant gadgets somewhere in the middle.
In reality a lot of it comes down to common-sense. With its water resistance, you can keep on your Apple Watch while surfing, swimming and more. A really simple way of looking at it is – splash resistance means that you’re watch will likely be fine if it gets splashed with some water or if you’re out in the rain, but it won’t survive long periods of time underwater. If your Apple Watch is water-resistant then you’ll likely be okay swimming with it, showering with it and more gentle watersports but don’t think about taking it deep-sea diving!
Apple Watches that are Splash Resistant
- The only watch that is splash resistant is the Series 1 and (1st Generation)
Apple Watches that are Splash & Water Resistant
- All Apple Watch Series 2 and newer models are all Splash & Water-resistant.
You might be wondering – How long can apple watches stay underwater? Well, if you have a Series 2 or newer model, your watch will be fine underwater for up to 30 minutes. As long as you’re not swimming deeper than 50m.
What Apple Say
According to Apple the official stance is this:
”Your Apple Watch is water-resistant, but not waterproof. For example, you may wear and use your Apple Watch during exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), in the rain, and while washing your hands.” Read more here.
- These watches are splash and water-resistant, but submerging Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st generation) isn’t recommended.
Apple Watch Series 2 and newer
- Apple Watch Series 2 and newer may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 and newer shouldn’t be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
This is then caveated by a couple of key, but we think fair and simple points:
- If you’re showering don’t expose it to soaps, shampoos and cleaning products.
- Water resistance isn’t a permanent condition and may diminish over time.
We feel that a lot of this again comes back to common sense, soaps and cleaning products should never come into contact with tech – think harmful chemicals and electronics – not a match made in heaven. The second point around water resistance not being a permanent condition is also fair, the only frustrating point is they don’t provide a lifespan for water resistance. Furthermore, Apple also caveat the point with a message that Apple Watches can’t be rechecked, or resealed.
Apple Watch Water Lock – Everything You Need To Know
The Apple Watch is one of the most popular tech products in recent years, with a variety of features that make it essential for any consumer. The water lock feature has been around for years, and while you may not be using it every day, this article will help you get acquainted with its function. Read on to learn more about how to use your water lock!
What is Apple Watch Water Lock and how to use it
Apple Watch Water Lock turns on automatically or you can turn it on from your control centre. Essentially it serves two major purposes:
- It stops you from accidental input. With the Water Lock on, your watch will not respond to touch on its display.
- Helps prevent any water damage to your speaker. When you turn Water Lock off (by simply turning the digital crown) your watch will play a series of tones which help to clear out any water.
Day-to-day experience of an Apple Watch
At GadgetGoGo we love tech and we asked around the office to find out our teams experience with their refurbished Apple Watches Water Resistant capabilities during their day-to-day routines. Everyone seemed to have the same response that they’ve never had any issues, our team have used their watches in a number of different environments albeit, we don’t have any open water swimmers or deep sea divers in the team, however from a day-to-day use point of view, we haven’t seen any issues.
Of course, the one other important point to remember is Apple’s stance which is that “Water-resistance isn’t a permanent condition and can diminish over time” and “Apple Watch can’t be rechecked or resealed for water-resistance.”
With that in mind, we’d always encourage a better safe than sorry approach and to avoid exposure to the water where possible.