Like all modern iPhones, the iPhone 16 is water resistant – but that is NOT the same as being waterproof. Here’s what you need to know…

Is iPhone 16 waterproof?

THE iPhone 16 series – including iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max – is water resistant but not waterproof. Each model is rated IP68 according to IEC 60529, which means it can handle immersion up to 6 meters (20 feet) deep for 30 minutes in fresh water.

It’s solid protection against accidental splashes or quick submersions, but it’s not designed for regular underwater use or in extreme conditions.

What does IP68 actually mean?

An IP68 rating gives you the following:

• Dust protection: Complete defense against dust, keeping your iPhone intact inside.
• Water resistance: Immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes in controlled freshwater conditions.

While this is ideal for everyday mishaps, like dropping your iPhone in the bath – or worse, the toilet – it’s essential to understand that water resistance is not the same as waterproofing. This rating is lab tested and may not hold in all real world scenarios.

Concrete example: under the right conditions, you can get condensation problems with your iPhone’s sensors with just a slight splash of water – this happened to me with my old iPhone XS Max, and it broke FACE ID.

Water resistance compared to real-world use

In the real world, IP68 does not cover all possible situations. But there are many common areas/situations where this should hold up very well.

• Accidental falls: If your iPhone 16 accidentally dives into a pool, bathtub, or sink, it should survive if recovered quickly.
• Rain and splashes: Rain or minor splashes should not pose a problem, so using it in wet conditions is generally safe.

However, the IP68 rating doesn’t make it invincible. Apple’s tests are carried out under laboratory conditions, so factors such as temperature, pressure and type of water may affect its water resistance.

Tips to Keep Your iPhone 16 Water Resistant

Most of you will never have to worry about water damage on your iPhone. Apple’s water resistance is usually more than enough to keep your phone protected and functioning properly.

However, for those of us who live in wetter and/or more extreme environments, there are a number of things you can do to boost its water-resistant capabilities.

And there are a few things to keep in mind if your iPhone 16 accidentally gets wet.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Avoid intentional submersion – although it is water resistant, it is not designed for regular underwater use.
• Dry it carefully if it gets wet, especially around the loading port.
• Wait 5 hours after exposure to water before charging, per Apple guidelines.
• Avoid saunas or steam rooms – high humidity environments can damage water resistance.
• Avoid harsh chemicals such as soaps or cleaning products, which can corrode the joints.

Warranty Considerations: What is covered?

But perhaps the biggest takeaway here should be this: If your iPhone is water damaged, it will NOT be covered under warranty.

This also applies to AppleCare+. For this reason, it is important to be careful to keep your iPhone 16 away from water, even splashes and things like heavy rain.

Most of the time, everything will be fine. But there are always exceptions to the rule, which is why you’ll want to A) Always carry your iPhone 16 in a caseand B) do everything possible to keep it away from any water.

iPhones aren’t cheap, and if your warranty doesn’t cover water damage, you need to do everything in your power to make sure your iPhone stays nice and dry.