Since the iPhone 12, Apple has advertised an IP68 water resistance rating under IEC standard 60529, meaning the device can withstand up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
However real-world tests show that IP68 phones can still fail when used for swimming. So, what does IP68 waterproof mean? Can it truly protect your phone from water damage?
In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of IP68, and compare it with another waterproof protection rating！
Table of Contents
- Part 1: What Does IP68 Waterproof Mean?
- Part 2: IP68 Waterproof Case vs Other Ratings?
- Part 3: Is IP68 the highest Waterproof Rating?
- Part 4: Where do I Use an IP68 Waterproof Case?
- Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions about IP68 Waterproof Case
- What is the Best IP68 Waterproof Phone Case？
- Can I Go Swimming with My IP68 Waterproof iPhone?
- How Many Meters is the waterproof Level IP68?
- Are IP68 Phones Waterproof?
Part 1: What Does IP68 Waterproof Mean?
IP68 stands for intrusion protection against dust and water entering internal components.
The International Electrotechnical Commission created this concept under IEC 60529 to classify, to judge an enclosure's resistance to the intrusion of solid particles and liquids!
IP: Ingress Protection is shortly claimed.
6: Rating means the enclosure is dust‑tight, offering complete protection against the ingress of dust and contact with internal components. There are 6 levels in total; the higher the level, the better the dustproofness
8: rating indicates the device can withstand waterproof performance!There are 8 levels in total, the higher the level, the better the waterproofness
Part 2: IP68 Waterproof Case vs Other Ratings?
| Rating | Solid Particle Protection | Liquid Ingress Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Dust-tight (Level 6) | Immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Dust-tight (Level 6) | Continuous immersion beyond 1 m (manufacturer-specified) |
| IPX8 | Not rated for solids (X) | Continuous immersion beyond 1 m (manufacturer-specified) |
| IP69K | Dust-tight (Level 6) | Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
IP68 vs IP67
Dustproof: Both offer full dust protection (IP6X), which prevents dust from entering the device.
Waterproof:
IP67: The device can be immersed in 0.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
IP68: The device can be immersed in 1.5 meters of water for more than 30 minutes; the manufacturer determines the specific depth.
IP68 vs IPX8
Dustproof: IP68 provides dust protection, while IPX8 only focuses on water resistance and does not provide dust protection.
Waterproof: Both can be immersed in water more than 1 meter deep, but IPX8 does not provide dust protection.
IP68 vs IP69K
Dustproof: Both offer full dust protection.
Waterproof:
IP68: Suitable for water immersion environments, usually for daily waterproof needs.
IP69K: Suitable for high-pressure water vapor jets, suitable for environments that require rigorous cleaning
Part 3: Is IP68 the Highest Waterproof Rating?
IP68 is one of the highest waterproof levels currently available, but it is not the highest. The highest waterproof level currently available is IP69K!
Part 4: Where Do I Use an IP68 Waterproof Case?
You can use a case with an IP68 waterproof rating in various scenarios. For everyday protection, it's perfect for swimming, accidental splashes while washing hands, or even brief submersion, like in the shower or pool.
For more intense conditions, such as outdoor adventures, day hikes, or underwater photography, it offers reliable peace of mind.
👉 Explore our full collection of IP68-rated waterproof Apple cases designed to keep your device protected—whether you're poolside or on the trail.
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions about IP68 Waterproof Case
What is the Best IP68 Waterproof iPhone Case？
Beeasy's waterproof iPhone case provides full-body IP68 waterproof protection, allowing the device to be submerged in water for up to 2 hours and up to a depth of 6.6 feet (about 2 meters).
This far exceeds the standard IP68 requirements, ensuring that the device remains safe in a variety of water environments.
Can I Go Swimming with My IP68 Waterproof iPhone?
No, because the iPhone IP68 means no depth to withstand water pressure, calm water, no salt water, it is splashproof and water-resistant!
However, you need to be aware that when you take phone into a pool to take pictures, or even into the density and pressure of seawater, it is "water resistant", not waterproof. The warranty does not cover liquid damage!
By the way, if you want to take your phone underwater for shooting, you can refer to this guide: How to Use Your iPhone for Underwater Photography
How Many Meters is the waterproof Level IP68?
By IEC 60529, an IP68 rating simply means a device has passed immersion tests beyond 1 meter！
Are IP68 Phones Waterproof?
IP68-rated phones are only water-resistant, not truly waterproof.
According to the IEC 60529 standard, IP68 requires that the phone be immersed in at least 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes; many manufacturers' waterproof performance exceeds this standard, such as Apple testing the iPhone 16 Pro's waterproof depth of 6 meters/30 minutes, but this test is conducted under controlled static laboratory conditions.
In real life, movement, water pressure peaks, seawater corrosion, and aging of seals can all cause water to penetrate.
How Deep is IP68 Waterproof?
IP68 waterproof devices are generally rated to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of still water for 30 minutes. Some devices, depending on the manufacturer, may be tested for depths up to 3–6 meters.
However, real-world water resistance can vary due to factors like water movement, exposure time, and wear over time. Dynamic pressure from swimming or waves, long submersion, and aging seals can all reduce protection.
Come to a Conclusion
Based on the above analysis, if you want to bring your phone into the swimming pool or take underwater photos, we recommend buying a professional waterproof case. This case not only prevents seawater erosion on the phone but also allows for normal use under water pressure.