Are Apple Watches Waterproof?
Apple Watches are known for their versatility — from fitness tracking to notification alerts and whatnot. But have you ever been in two minds about taking off or keeping your Apple Watch on when you decided to go for a quick swim?
So the real question is: are Apple Watches waterproof? If yes, then which Apple Watches are waterproof? Let’s answer this question in this blog.
Water Resistance of Apple Products
Apple watches, unlike most gadgets such as iPhones, iPads, and other tablets and smartphones, do not employ the IP water resistance certification. Rather, they adopt the normal depth-based watch rating system.
Nevertheless, being certified to 50 meters does not mean you should dive to that depth. It simply implies that it was able to sustain the amount of pressure found at that level in lab tests (which is about 4.5 times the amount at the surface.) However, there's no necessity to do it yourself because it could harm your watch.
Minimal Water Resistant: Apple Watch 1
If you own one of the older models of the Apple Watch, here’s a bummer: Apple Watch 1 isn’t waterproof. It’s alright if you wear it when doing household chores or washing the car. But if you plan to take a dip in the pool, you’ll have to think twice!
If you do soak it accidentally, make sure to dry it as quickly as possible to avoid damage. You can get rid of water on the screen. But if water gets inside the ports and speakers, that’ll be a much bigger problem.
Moving on, let’s take a look at what Apple Watch models are waterproof?
Waterproof Apple Watches
Apple Watches have evolved from being an extension of the iPhone to a device dedicated to health and fitness. The newer versions of the Apple Watch are not only water-resistant but also let you go for a swim without thinking twice.
The latest waterproof Apple Watch models are:
Apple Watch Series 2, and 3
If you own the Apple Watch Series 2 or 3, which were launched back in 2016 and 2017, they aren’t as waterproof as they used to be.
Only complete submersion can cause damage to your watch. But if you wear it while you’re in the shower, or do household chores, it’s going to be alright.
Apple Watch Series 4, 5 and 6
In contrary to Apple Watch 1, 2, and 3, the series 4, 5, and 6 are designed so that you can carry out water sports. With these watches on, you can go for a swim, snorkel as well as all-day river floats.
Even though there are watches out there that are designed for tracking swimming, these watches, too, do a pretty good job. It can calculate what and how many strokes you're doing and also consider your rate of work.
Apple Watch SE
What are the best and the worst things about Apple Watch SE?
It lacks two crucial health parameters but is cheaper than Apple Watch Series 6, and you don’t have to sacrifice swimming.
You can without worrying go for a swim or a hot tub. Plus, it should be capable of resisting all except most water sports.
Apple Watch Series 7
Waterproof Apple Watch, plus scratch-resistant, equals Apple Watch Series 7!
The Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent choice for someone who loves to go swimming. It also cuts out the two health features — heart rate and SpO2 monitor — that were lacking in the Watch SE.
The Bottom Line: Keeping Your Waterproof Apple Watch Safe
Now that you know, which Apple Watches are waterproof, your task doesn’t end here. The waterproof Apple Watches are designed to be waterproof and thus have a few things you should take care of before getting your feet wet (yes, literally):
1. Apple Watch Band
Most Apple Watch bands are not waterproof. The traditional buckle, leather loop, modern buckle, Milanese, and link bracelet bands, according to Apple, are not waterproof.
If you’re using the Wristcam Apple Watch band, you’ll be happy to know that the Watch Band is IPX68 water-resistant.
2. Turn On Water Lock
Make it a routine to use Water Lock on your Apple Watch when you're swimming. Water won't activate your watch's touchscreen because of this feature.
To Turn On:
- Auto enabled when you begin a Swim exercise activity.
- To manually activate it, go to the [Control Center] and tap on the water drop icon to activate Water Lock.
To Turn Off:
- Turn your watch's Digital Crown until you hear a sequence of beeps to disable Water Lock.
- The speaker's loudness is utilized to blow out any water that may have accumulated inside the cavity.
3. Damaging Liquids
Irrespective of which version you have, you must avoid contact with liquids such as acidic chemicals, insect spray, perfume, or shampoo and conditioner. You must try to clean it off after exposure to anything except freshwater.
