Is the iPhone Waterproof?
No, iPhones are water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
While Apple officials said that iPhones (iPhone 12 and above) boast an IP68 water resistance rating, this doesn’t mean they’re truly waterproof.
IP68 waterproof means your iPhone can withstand splashes, rain, and brief submersion in freshwater up to a certain depth (typically 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).
Here are iPhone Waterproof Ratings (Up to a Depth)
| iPhone Model | IP Rating | Maximum Depth | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max | IP68 | 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | IP68 | 4 meters (13.1 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11 | IP68 | 2 meters (6.6 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone XS / XS Max | IP68 | 2 meters (6.6 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
| iPhone XR / iPhone X / iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | IP67 | 1 meter (3.3 feet) | Up to 30 minutes |
Although your iPhone is waterproof, if you want to safely take your iPhone underwater, especially in seawater or a swimming pool, you must buy a waterproof iPhone Case!
Essential Gear for Underwater Photography with iPhone
To protect your phone and improve your shots, here are the must-haves:
1. Waterproof phone case
When shooting underwater, the iPhone needs to be equipped with a waterproof phone case.
The Beeasy Waterproof iPhone Cases are recommended. It not only has a 360-degree full-body IP68 waterproof and underwater touchscreen function but also comes with an acrylic camera protective case, which can bring clear photos and videos when shooting underwater.
2. Wrist Strap or Tether
To protect your iPhone from being washed away by water, especially in the waves or deep water, wear a mobile phone wrist strap to firmly fix the iPhone on your wrist and improve safety!
3. Lighting
In turbid water or low-light underwater environments, using LED lights such as FOVITEC can significantly improve image clarity and color.
4. Anti-fog stickers
Such as SeaGold Anti-fog Droplets can help prevent the lens cover from fogging due to temperature changes, allowing you to take clear photos.
8 Expert Tips for Capturing Underwater Photos with Your iPhone
Using a waterproof case to take underwater photos with your iPhone can produce amazing photos. Here are 8 tips to help you maximize underwater image quality while protecting your device.
1. Test your waterproof case for leaks
Before using your iPhone underwater, submerge the case in water for 10-30 minutes to check for leaks!
2. Choose the right environment
Water clarity, light, and depth can greatly affect image quality. It is recommended that you shoot in shallow water with plenty of sunlight and avoid dark or low-visibility environments. According to experience, early morning or midday is the best time
3. Use the volume button to shoot
The touchscreen may become unresponsive underwater. Using the iPhone's volume up or down button as a shutter control allows for more reliable shooting.
4. Use burst mode to shoot
Because subjects such as fish or waves move quickly, use burst mode to quickly take a series of photos, and then you can choose the clearest one.
5. Use an ultra-wide-angle lens
It is recommended to use a 0.5x lens to not only improve the quality of the photo but also expand the coverage of the photo.
6. Lock focus and exposure
Before submerging the camera in water, long-press the screen to lock the focus and exposure (AE/AF lock). This prevents the phone from constantly adjusting the focus and exposure to the flowing water.
7. Use editing tools to enhance the effect
Underwater photos often require post-processing. It is recommended to use applications such as Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO to adjust contrast, remove haze and restore natural colors.
8. Use a tray or device to stabilize the shot
Because buoyancy and water flow may cause blurry photos when shooting, you can use a hard tray with double handles to ensure a stable composition.
FAQs:iPhone 16 Waterproof Capabilities & Underwater Photography
1. What is the iPhone 16 Waterproof Depth?
The iPhone 16 is officially rated IP68 under IEC standard 60529, meaning it can withstand up to 6 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes under laboratory conditions. However, this rating assumes static, clean water at 25°C ± 5°C, and does not reflect real-world environments like oceans, rivers, or swimming pools. If you plan to shoot with your iPhone 16, it is recommended to purchase an iPhone 16 waterproof case!
2. Can iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Pro Max Take Photos Underwater?
Yes, but only with a waterproof case.
iPhone 16 and Pro Max are IP68-rated (up to 6m for 30 mins), but this is for lab-tested freshwater. In real underwater use—like swimming or diving—water pressure, salt, or chlorine can break the seal. For any underwater photography, especially beyond 1 meter, use a professional waterproof case.
Recommended: Use underwater housing like SeaLife, Diveroid for safe shooting,or a Professional deep-sea diving shell.
Come to a Conclusion
Although the iPhone is water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. With the help of a Beeasy Case and professional photography skills, you can explore the underwater world even without professional diving equipment.