Radical test shows Apple lowballed the record iPhone 11 Pro water resistance

Join the discussion
PhoneArena
PhoneArena
Phonearena team
Original poster
• 7y ago

While they still carry an IP68 water-resistance certification, Apple doubled down on the depth you can submerge the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max to, going from spending half an hour at 2m, to surviving as deep as 4m (13 feet). That's a lot tighter sealing and copious adhesive application, though something tells us that the previous iPhone models could have survived such depth, too, just without Apple's guarantee. The poor iPhone 11 still stays rated for 2m depth and shouts something about...

Click here to read the full article
iloveapps
iloveapps
Arena Apprentice
• 7y ago
Only fools would dare to let their phones stay under water for a long time. Its just water resistance not proof. I use mine during swimming in the pool, beaches, river, lake and waterfalls but never dare to submerge unless it has a waterproof case.
Like
1
Quote
Valdomero
Valdomero
Arena Apprentice
• 7y ago
This water resistance or water proofing is made to avoid accidental damage to sunken phones, not to dip the phone like it's a sponge.
Like
3
Quote
Kaostheory
Kaostheory
Arena Apprentice
• 7y ago
Problem with all phones is they flex and to a lesser degree are subject to expansion and contraction, which both eventually degrade the seals.
Like
Quote
• 7y agoedited
I don't put my iPhone, or my Note in any water at all. Went jet skiing in Laughlin Nevada for my anniversary in September, my phones were in waterproof cases. I'm not taking any chances, with these expensive, important, and impressive devices I carry. No way! Glad to hear the 11 is super tough, but I'd never find out, as long as what I'm in doesn't capsize. Kudos on the water resistance Apple.
Like
Quote
FlippyGoneMad
FlippyGoneMad
Arena Apprentice
• 7y ago
Use the device for a few months experiencing the usual wear and tear, dings, bumps, temperature fluctuations and micro flexing in our pockets then repeat the test. The adhesive alone breaks down. People just can’t understand that it’s simply a bit of resistance in-case of an accident not something to go deep sea exploring with.
Like
Quote
Penny
Penny
Arena Master
• 7y ago
↵iloveapps said: Only fools would dare to let their phones stay under water for a long time. Its just water resistance not proof. I use mine during swimming in the pool, beaches, river, lake and waterfalls but never dare to submerge unless it has a waterproof case.
You don't swim with your phone in your pocket? How am I supposed to check my insta when I'm swimming?
Like
Quote
zaraarali
zaraarali
Arena Apprentice
• 1mo ago

Interesting that even the test units had muffled speakers for days — that matches what most people experience. The speaker grille holds water through surface tension; gravity alone won't clear it, which is why drying takes so long.


For anyone reading this with a wet phone: play a 165Hz tone at max volume with the speaker facing down, 30-second rounds, 2-3 times. It's the same principle as the Apple Watch's water eject feature. Way faster than waiting days for it to dry out.


I actually built a free browser tool for this called MySpeakersFix — no app needed, works on iPhone and Android. Saved my own phone after a rain incident.


Like
Quote