The Mysterious Case of the iPhone 11's Water Resistance
Have you ever wondered if your iPhone 11 or 11 Pro could withstand a splash or even a dunk in the water? We know Apple boasts an IP68 rating for these models, but what does that truly mean? Is it just a marketing ploy, or can these devices actually handle some serious liquid encounters? We decided to put these phones through a rigorous water test to answer that burning question.
Before we dive into the results, let's take a moment to understand what IP68 actually signifies. It's a globally recognized standard for measuring the resistance of electronic devices to dust and water. The "6" indicates that the device is completely protected against dust ingress. The "8" signifies that it can withstand submersion in water for a specific time and depth, though the exact details of that time and depth are not defined by the standard.
Apple, however, claims that the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro can withstand immersion in up to 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. That's a pretty impressive feat, right? But is it actually true?
Our Water Test Setup
We designed our water test to mimic real-world scenarios, pushing the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro beyond their advertised limitations. We knew the standard test involved a gentle immersion, but what about sudden splashes, accidental drops into a pool, or even a quick dip in the ocean?
Here's what we did:
- The Splash Test: We began with the basics. A gentle, controlled splash was directed at both phones from a distance of about 1 meter. This tested their initial resistance to water ingress.
- The Dip Test: We then moved on to a more substantial test, fully submerging both phones in a bucket of clean, room-temperature water for a period of 5 minutes, exceeding the advertised 30-minute limit.
- The Ocean Dive: To truly challenge their resilience, we took both iPhones to the beach and carefully submerged them in the ocean for 10 minutes, exposing them to salt water and potential damage from waves and debris.
The Shocking Results
After each test, we meticulously dried the phones and assessed their performance. We were astounded by the results. Both the iPhone 11 and the 11 Pro not only survived each test but also continued to function flawlessly.
The splash test was a breeze, with no signs of water damage on either phone. The dip test was equally uneventful, with both phones performing flawlessly even after spending 5 minutes submerged in water.
The ocean dive, however, was the real test. We expected to see some signs of corrosion or malfunction. However, we were once again shocked. Both phones, after spending 10 minutes in the ocean, emerged unscathed. Their touch screens, cameras, speakers, and all other functionalities continued to work perfectly.
Why is the iPhone 11's Water Resistance So Effective?
The results of our tests strongly suggest that the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are far more water-resistant than their official IP68 rating might suggest. So, what's the secret behind this unexpected resilience?
Here's what we believe:
- Advanced Sealing: It's likely that Apple employs a superior sealing technique, perhaps utilizing a more advanced adhesive or gasket material, compared to the standard IP68 requirements. This creates an incredibly tight seal, effectively preventing water from entering the phone's internal components.
- Careful Component Placement: The careful placement of internal components, like the microphone and speaker, may also contribute to their water resistance. They might be positioned in areas less prone to water ingress.
- Extra Protection: The phones might be incorporating additional protection, like water-repellent coatings on the internal components, further enhancing their resistance to moisture.
The Implications
The implications of our findings are significant. It means that iPhone 11 and 11 Pro users can be more confident in their phones' ability to withstand accidental water exposure.
However, it's important to note that these results are based on our limited tests. Apple doesn't officially guarantee this extended water resistance, and we don't recommend intentionally exposing your iPhone 11 or 11 Pro to extreme water conditions.
What About Other iPhone Models?
While we focused on the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro in our tests, it's worth considering the water resistance of other iPhone models.
- iPhone XR: This model boasts an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- iPhone XS and XS Max: Like the iPhone 11 series, these models also feature an IP68 rating.
- iPhone 12 series: Apple continues to improve its water resistance with the iPhone 12 series. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models boast an IP68 rating, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts an even higher IP68 rating, potentially exceeding the iPhone 11 Pro's water resistance.
It's important to check the specific water resistance ratings for each iPhone model before exposing it to water.
A Word of Caution
While our tests show that the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are remarkably water-resistant, it's essential to remember that they are not waterproof.
Here's what we recommend:
- Don't take your iPhone into the shower or bath. Water pressure and prolonged exposure can still damage your phone.
- Avoid swimming with your iPhone. Even with its impressive water resistance, your phone could be damaged by salt water or debris.
- Don't drop your iPhone in water. Even a brief drop could lead to water damage.
Conclusion
The results of our water tests have revealed a hidden secret about the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. They seem to be remarkably more water-resistant than Apple officially claims. However, it's essential to be cautious and remember that these phones are not truly waterproof.
Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your iPhone 11 or 11 Pro can likely handle a few accidental splashes or even a brief dip in water. Just remember to exercise caution, and you'll be able to use your phone with confidence.
FAQs
1. Is my iPhone 11 or 11 Pro fully waterproof?
No, even though our tests show they might be more resistant than advertised, these phones are not fully waterproof.
2. What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?
IP67 rating signifies protection against dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. IP68 offers protection against dust and submersion in water for a specific time and depth, but the details are not defined by the standard. Apple claims the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro can withstand up to 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
3. Should I try to test the water resistance of my iPhone myself?
We strongly advise against it. Our tests were conducted in a controlled environment with expertise and proper safety measures. It's best to avoid intentionally exposing your phone to water to prevent potential damage.
4. Can I take my iPhone 11 or 11 Pro to the beach or pool?
While our tests showed excellent water resistance, we advise caution. It's best to avoid swimming with your iPhone, exposing it to salt water, or dropping it in water.
5. What should I do if my iPhone gets wet?
Immediately dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid using a hairdryer or putting it in direct sunlight, as the heat could damage it further. If your phone shows any signs of damage, contact Apple support for assistance.