Is Apple's iPhone 7 Really Water-Resistant? What IP67 Waterproofing Really Means

With Apple claiming that the iPhone 7 is its first water-resistant smartphone, many might get the idea of jumping in pools and even showering with the device once they get their handsets. However, here is the truth about the waterproof certification of the new iPhone.

Apparently, the waterproofing of the iPhone 7 has limitations that should be followed unless owners would want to end up with a very expensive paperweight, according to Apple Insider. What the IP67 rating really means is that the device can be submerged in water that’s not deeper than a meter or 3.3 feet and for not more than 30 minutes.

Hence, unless one is not planning to take his or her iPhone 7 to the deep waters and have it submerged for long periods of time, then iPhone 7’s waterproofing will come in handy. But one should take not that Apple has warned that the waterproof property of the device could deteriorate with normal wear and tear, so precaution is quite mandatory.

Apple Insider recognizes the disadvantage of the IP67 rating compared with the IP68 rating of Sony and Samsung flagships, since the latter devices can go beyond the 1 meter mark in theory. Still, the IP67 waterproofing would be advantageous in case the owner has dropped his or her handset in a toilet or a bathtub, as noted by the Apple-centric website.

Aside from water resistance, the IP67 rating also pertains to resistance to dust, and CNET reports that this could appeal to users who frequent the beach or live in desert climates.

To achieve the IP67 rating, Apple put rubber seals and gaskets in certain vulnerable areas of the iPhone, such as the SIM tray. The removal of the headphone jack and the physical Home button also paved the way for the Cupertino giant to create an iPhone that prevents water from easily seeping through the device.

For the most part, however, users should be mindful of how they will use their upgraded iPhone because Apple has disclosed that liquid damage to the device is not at all covered under warranty.