IP68 Waterproof Rating Explained: How Waterproof Is Your Phone

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.

iPhone water-resistance

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?

IP68 stands for intrusion protection against dust and water entering internal components.

Ingress protection (lP) ratings

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!

IP68 rating mean

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 vs IPX8 vs IP69K: What Waterproof Rating Is Best for Your iPhone?

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

IP68 vs IPX8 has two differences:

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 IPX8

IP68 vs IP69K

Although IP68 vs IP69K have the same dustproof rating, the IP68 vs IPX8 waterproof comparison difference in waterproofing!

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!

IP68  Waterproof Rating Test

Part 4: Where Do I Use an IP68 Waterproof Case?

An IP68 rating doesn't mean your phone is invincible. It's a lab-tested standard, not a real-world guarantee. So, while your IP68 phone is fine for everyday splashes and accidental drops in shallow water, a specialized waterproof case is your best bet for more demanding conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of when you should rely on your phone's built-in IP68 rating versus when you should use a protective case:

Rely on your phone's IP68 for:

  • Rain
  • Washing your hands
  • Accidental spills
  • Brief drops into a sink or tub

Use a waterproof phone case for:

  • Swimming and pool use: The chemicals in pools and the dynamic pressure from swimming strokes can be too much for your phone's seals.
  • Snorkeling and underwater photography: Going deeper than a few inches and dealing with saltwater requires a case designed to handle sustained pressure and corrosive environments.
  • Harsh outdoor environments: Activities like kayaking or hiking expose your phone to dirt, dust, and water, all of which can compromise its seals over time.

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 a 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

Understanding the IP68 rating is key, but it's not a guarantee against all water damage. Your phone's built-in protection is for everyday accidents like spills or rain, not for swimming or underwater photos. For true peace of mind during water activities, a dedicated waterproof phone case is the most reliable solution. It's the best way to protect your phone and capture your adventures without worry.