When taking part in water-related activities such as swimming, surfing or kayaking, you may want to capture pictures of your exciting experience. Be sure to protect your iPhone from getting wet while submerged though!
Thankfully, all new iPhones are dust and water-resistant thanks to an Ingress Protection IP68 rating. This means they can be submerged in freshwater up to six meters deep for 30 minutes without any damage being done. Let’s dive into more details to understand the limits and answer clearly to the question: is the iPhone 13 Pro Max waterproof?
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Ingress Protection
The iPhone 13 pro max is a waterproof smartphone that can withstand being submerged in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Additionally, it’s protected against dust and dirt particles. This device comes with an Ingress Protection rating, which measures its resistance to water and dust ingress. IP ratings are based on standards created by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
To achieve the highest rating possible, a device must be completely dustproof and waterproof. Typically, the first digit of an IP rating (as seen on the iPhone) indicates dust protection while the second determines water-resistance. Gadget Hacks notes that a rating of 6 indicates the device is “dust-tight” and can withstand even microscopic particles. On the other hand, an 8 indicates it can be fully submerged in water for more than one meter.
Surprisingly, there’s not much evidence to support that the iPhone 13 can handle salt water. Unlike fresh or pool water, salty water has a detrimental effect on your phone, wearing away its components and leading to various issues.
Another concern is that when wet, the phone’s sensor will be less sensitive to sound and touch. This could affect its camera’s capacity for taking pictures and video as well as the audio quality of music or voice recordings. When your phone gets wet it will lose its wireless charging capabilities. Water can damage the antennas on your phone and reduce its capacity for storage.
Therefore, never charge your phone after it has been wet or used under water. Instead, follow the instructions in your user manual to clean and dry it thoroughly before trying to charge it again.
If you must submerge your iPhone in water, keep in mind that its resistance is not guaranteed and could deteriorate due to normal wear. Unfortunately, Apple will not repair your phone under warranty in such cases. If you’re worried that water could damage your phone, consider investing in a waterproof case for it. Not only will these protect it from liquid damage, but they may also improve touchscreen sensitivity and wireless charging capability as well.
Other iPhones that are waterproof
Nowadays, many iPhones are water resistant. That’s an important consideration as water damage to your device could wreak havoc over time and prevent its functionality. That is why it’s essential to confirm whether your iPhone is waterproof before diving in the ocean. The reference 1 below will give you the list of all the water resistant iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043.
If your phone is IP68 rated, then you can rest easy knowing it can withstand being submerged in water up to 19 feet for 30 minutes. That means you can safely take your iPhone out of a swimming pool or river without fear of damage; plus, it even works well when being rinsed in the shower to rinse away dirt and grime.
Additionally, all devices in the iPhone 14 series feature a dust-resistant rating so you don’t need to worry about dust or dirt getting inside your phone if it gets dirty. Furthermore, an IP68 device’s dust tight protection can also keep moisture out, allowing you to use your iPhone for longer periods of time without worry.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) rates devices according to their resistance to dust and water, known as an IP code. Ratings are given on a scale from 0 to 6, with higher numbers signifying better deterrence against solids and lower ones showing liquid infiltration.
This number also determines how well a device can withstand humidity and temperature changes, such as exposure to hot or cold water. Apple’s current line of water-resistant iPhones are rated IP68, meaning they can survive up to four meters underwater for 30 minutes while remaining functional.
However, it’s essential to remember that these water-resistant capabilities do deteriorate with age. That is because the rubber gaskets used at the lightning cable port, SIM card slot and around buttons gradually degrade over time, allowing some liquid to pass through and weakening your phone’s water-blocking ability.
Can you take pictures under water?
Photographing underwater can be an exhilarating experience and a great way to document your travels. But be mindful when doing so as the refraction of light may make it difficult to capture clear shots. For best results, use a wide-angle lens and focus on subjects that move slowly such as starfish or sea urchins.
Take your underwater photography to the next level by shooting abstract images with your underwater camera. Water’s refraction of light creates amazing patterns, whether you’re shooting in a pool or coral reef. Search for unusual shapes, unique angles and repeating colors to make your pictures stand out.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your iPhone’s camera cannot adjust its exposure or focus while underwater. For optimal results, apply a focus lock before entering the water so you can take pictures in low light conditions.
If you plan on submerging your iPhone for an extended period, investing in a waterproof case is recommended. Not only will these give the same quality underwater photos as non-waterproof cases, but they will also protect the device from drops and other accidents. These cases may be pricey, but they offer a significant advantage when taking pictures underwater. Not only are they incredibly durable and shockproof, but they’ll shield your phone from dust, sand, and oils as well.
Most of these cases come with an integrated speaker so you don’t need to purchase an external one. They’ll also protect your phone from scratches and abrasions.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is an impressive piece of hardware, and it lives up to its promises. Its performance is on par with other top models in its class and its low light camera shines brightly. But it’s not perfect; there are some minor quirks we’d like to see addressed.
What are the precautions to take with a wet iPhone?
If your iPhone has been accidentally submerged in water, there are a few steps you should take. First and foremost, try to drain out as much of the excess liquid by wiping it clean with a cloth or paper towel and then drying it with another dry cloth. Doing this will help speed up drainage of liquid.
Once you’re finished with that, remove any accessories (the case and headphones) from the phone to allow it to air out. Doing this helps the liquid evaporate quicker and also helps prevent it from seeingping deeper inside your iPhone.
Once the water has been removed, inspect your iPhone for signs of damage. This could include a non-working Home button or an unresponsive screen. If you spot these issues, back up your phone immediately and contact an experienced technician to take a closer look.
To expedite the drying process of your wet iPhone, try using silica gel sachets or uncooked rice. The key here is to completely encase your device with desiccant and leave it for 24-48 hours or longer.
Once dry, try turning your phone on again to see if it works. If so, then you can begin charging your wet device. However, be mindful that any moisture left on its surface could potentially harm the gold contacts in its charging port, leading to intermittent failure.
Salt water can be highly corrosive, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. If you do drop your iPhone in the ocean, be sure to rinse it thoroughly in order to eliminate any salt that has seeped into the phone.
Once dry, ensure your iPhone is in working condition. If possible, replace both batteries and SIM cards if available and test everything to confirm its functionality.
If the answer is no, there could be an issue with your iPhone’s charging port. In this instance, please reach out to Apple for further assistance or repair.
Some people have had success drying their wet phones by placing them in rice. This method has been around for years, but it should only be attempted if you are certain your device isn’t salt-contaminated.
Additional References About is the iPhone 13 Pro Max Waterproof
Here are some website references about whether the iPhone 13 Pro Max is waterproof:
- Apple’s official website about splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043
- CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-13-pro-max-review/
- TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/iphone-13-pro-max-review
- Tom’s Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/iphone-13-pro-max
- Macworld: https://www.macworld.com/article/3636725/iphone-13-waterproofing-explained-ip68-rating-and-more.html
- Digital Trends: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-13-release-date-price-specs-buying-guide/
- TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/14/the-iphone-13-pro-and-pro-max-features-120hz-display-better-cameras/
- Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/iphone-13-pro-and-pro-max-review-120-hz-promotion-screen-macro-camera-cinematic-mode-samples-battery-life-143041678.html
- MacRumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/14/wistron-next-iphone-waterproof-wireless-charging/
- PhoneArena: https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/iPhone-13-Pro-Max-Review_id5258
- Q&A about iPhone camera: https://www.optodir-tech.com/apple-iphone-camera/
