It’s no secret that the iPhone 12 is a game-changing device, with some of its features set to create a ripple effect across the entire smartphone market. That being said, there are still a few kinks that need ironing out, and waterproofing is one of them. The iPhone 12 has an IPX7 waterproof certification, which means it should be able to remain fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the phone lacks the official IP68 Waterproof Certification. This article explores the pros and cons of this decision by Apple, as well as what it means for you as an end user.
Is iPhone 12 Pro Waterproof?
No, iPhone 12Pro is not waterproof. The device has an IP58 water and dust resistance rating. This means it is protected from splash damage, but not designed to be used in water. Despite the device being water resistant, it’s still important to take precautions when using your device near water.
Why Isn’t The iPhone 12 Pro Waterproof?
It’s a hardware limitation
The iPhone 12 Pro is not waterproof because it doesn’t have the necessary hardware to be waterproof. The device has an IP58 water and dust resistance rating. This means it is protected from splash damage, but not designed to be used in water. So, even if the device is submerged in water for a prolonged period of time, it will still function as intended.
It makes sense economically
Making devices waterproof isn’t purely about making them more durable; it also helps manufacturers avoid additional costs associated with replacing damaged devices. While most consumers may not mind shelling out a few hundred dollars for a new iPhone once every couple of years, manufacturers are looking to cut costs wherever possible to maximize profits. By making their devices waterproof, they can avoid dealing with costly warranty claims by users who accidentally expose their phones to liquid.
It makes the device more expensive
Making the iPhone 12 Pro waterproof would mean adding additional hardware to the device, which would increase its overall cost. While this may only amount to a few dollars for each device, it adds up when you’re talking about millions of devices being sold across the globe. On top of that, it would require manufacturers to provide customers with an additional case for their phones. This means that consumers would have to spend more money on accessories in order to use their phones safely around water. waterproof would add additional complexity and cost to the device. Apple already has to deal with the costs of replacing damaged devices, so why should they add more cost to their product by making it waterproof? It’s a good business move from both a financial and public relations standpoint.
It’s not as easy as it sounds
Even though Apple has not officially announced that the iPhone 12 Pro is waterproof, it hasn’t said anything about making it waterproof either. This leaves room for speculation about whether or not the device is truly capable of surviving submersion in water for prolonged periods of time without sustaining damage. If Apple were to make this claim and then fail at delivering on this promise, there would be a huge public backlash against them from consumers who had bought the phone under false pretenses.
It creates confusion among consumers
The biggest reason why Apple hasn waterproof would have been a costly endeavor for Apple. The company’s decision to make their devices dust and water resistant instead of waterproof is more economical, which means they can offer the same level of protection at a lower price. This is a win-win situation for both consumers and manufacturers.
It’s difficult to do
Making the iPhone 12 Pro waterproof would have been an extremely difficult feat for Apple, especially considering the device already has a complex internal design due to its innovative features such as Face ID, wireless charging, and a curved screen. Making it waterproof would have required Apple to make a lot of changes to its hardware design, which could potentially compromise the overall performance of the device.
How To Tell If The iPhone Is Waterproof
Check the box
First and foremost, check the box. If you have the packaging, great! It will have all the information you need right there. If you don’t have the box, you’ll have to dig a little deeper. If you have an iPhone X or later, you’ll need to look under the iPhone itself. You can do this by removing the screen and the home button. If you have an older phone, you can check the holographic seal on the back for specific information about the phone’s capabilities.
Look for an IP rating
If your iPhone has an IP rating, it means it has been independently tested by an accredited organization to ensure it is as waterproof as it can be. The number that follows the IP is the rating for water resistance. IP 67 means your iPhone is completely waterproof, and it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. If, however, your phone does not have an IP rating, this does not mean it isn’t waterproof. It simply means the manufacturer has not tested it to the same standard. It’s very important to understand that an IP rating is not a guarantee that your phone will stand up to water or any other potential damage. It is simply a measure of how well it has been tested to withstand water and moisture.
Examine the ports
Next, examine the ports. If they are completely covered or impossible to access, your phone is probably waterproof. Some phones, particularly Android phones, have removable or removable-ish ports. If you can easily open this part of your phone, it may not be waterproof. If your phone has a flap or seal that covers the charging port or audio jack, it is more than likely waterproof. Pay particular attention to the headphone jack. Even if the charging port and audio jack are covered, there is nothing to protect the headphone jack from water. If your phone is waterproof, it will probably have some sort of seal around the headphone jack.
Check the warranty
Next, check the warranty. If the manufacturer of your phone has warranted your phone for water damage, it’s safe to assume your phone is waterproof. Be sure to check the fine print, though. Some warranties are only valid if the phone has been damaged by water, and some only cover it if the damage occurs within a certain period of time after purchase. If your phone was a gift, or you forgot to check the box when you bought it, you can call the manufacturer to find out if your phone is waterproof. If you bought it second-hand, you can also call the manufacturer to find out if your phone is waterproof.
Shake it!
Now, shake it! If your phone rattles or sounds like something is loose inside, it’s not waterproof. If you hear a jingle or a few discreet tinks, it’s probably waterproof. If your phone does rattle, though, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean your phone isn’t waterproof. It simply means there is something loose inside that could potentially be a problem later down the line. If your phone is not waterproof, a loose part will probably fall out eventually. If your phone is waterproof, the loose part will stay put, but there could be damage to it.
Check the hardware
Check the hardware. If your phone has an IP rating, it is probably waterproof. However, it may not be completely waterproof. If your phone has an IP rating of 67, it is completely waterproof at a depth of one meter. It is not completely waterproof at a depth of five meters. If you are going to be in or near water, but the water is not very deep, your phone is probably completely waterproof. If you are going to be in water that is deeper than your phone can handle, take precautions to protect it.
iOS updates
Finally, check the iOS updates. If your phone is less than a year old, you can check to see if it has been updated with a feature that should make it more waterproof. If your phone was released more than a year ago, it is possible that it is waterproof, but you may want to take precautions to keep it safe. If your phone was released within the last year, you can be pretty sure it is waterproof.
Final Words
When all is said and done, iPhone users don’t have to worry about their devices getting water damage. The IPX7 rating is more than enough to protect your phone from accidental water damage. However, it’s important to remember that no device is 100% waterproof. You need to be careful about how and where you use your phone to ensure it stays safe from water damage. If you want to test your device’s water resistance, you can do so with this simple trick. Simply plug your earphones in, turn the volume up, and submerge the headphones in water. If you can hear the music clearly, your device is protected against water damage.
