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The Waterproof Evolution of iPhones: Are They Really Safe from Water Damage?

The recently released iPhones are splash-proof, waterproof and dust-proof.

The iPhone SE has also been splash, water, and dust resistant since the second-generation model released in April 2020 and the latest third-generation model released in March 2022.

But how good is its performance? Are you surprised you didn’t know? We will also provide you with some useful information, such as how to use the product to prevent it from breaking due to immersion in water.

When did iPhones become waterproof? Is it true that it all started with “iPhone 7”?

「iPhone 8/8 Plus」

Since the first iPhone, iPhones have not been waterproof for some time. As smartphones announced by other companies are becoming waterproof and dustproof one after another, it is customary when a new iPhone is released that fans start wondering: “When will the iPhone be waterproof?” And so it was.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 7/7 Plus, launched in September 2016, is now splash-proof, waterproof and dust-proof.

「iPhone 7 Plus」

At the same time, the 3.5 mm headphone jack that was installed in iPhones up to the “iPhone 6s/6s Plus” was abolished. This was said to improve splash, water and dust resistance.

「iPhone 6s/6s Plus」

Starting from the second generation, the iPhone SE has been equipped with splash, water and dust resistance.

“iPhone SE (2nd generation)”

iPhone SE (2nd generation) is splash, water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating based on IEC standard 60529 for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.

Additionally, the current model, iPhone SE (3rd generation), boasts the same splash, water and dust resistance properties as the 2nd generation.

“iPhone SE (3rd generation)”

[Riferimento]Splashproof, waterproof and dustproof performance of iPhone 7 and later

What is the water immersion sign (liquid intrusion indicator) on iPhone SE?

iPhone has a built-in Liquid Intrusion Indicator (LCI), which tells you if your iPhone has come into contact with water or a liquid containing water.

Under normal use, the LCI is white or silver, but when it comes into contact with water or liquids containing water it turns red.

The status of this LCI can be checked visually. The confirmation method varies depending on the type of iPhone, and for iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation the above image is used.

Additionally, the first-generation iPhone SE, launched in March 2016, is not splash-proof, waterproof, or dust-proof, but it does come with LCI.

iPhone SE (1st generation)

iPhone SE (1st Generation) LCI Mounting Location

[Riferimento]Check your iPhone or iPod for liquid damage

Can you guarantee that the iPhone SE will not be submerged in water?

Apple products have a one-year limited warranty, but if they are damaged by liquids, such as spilled coffee or soft drinks, they are not covered by the warranty.

*Legal rights under consumer law may apply.

[Riferimento]Liquid damage to iPhone and iPod is not covered under warranty.

Baths and saunas… Things to avoid to avoid damage to your waterproof iPhone

To avoid water damage, refrain from the following actions.

– Swimming or bathing while wearing your iPhone
・Exposing your iPhone to high-pressure or high-velocity water (shower, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, jet skiing, etc.)
・Use in the sauna or steam room
・Intentionally immersed in water
– Use your iPhone outside the recommended temperature range or in extremely humid conditions
– Drop or subject your iPhone to shock
・Disassemble the iPhone by removing screws, etc.

What should you do if your iPhone SE gets wet?

If your iPhone SE gets wet, follow the steps below.

[①]If you spill any liquid other than water on your iPhone, rinse the area with tap water.

[②]Clean your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth.

If you want to dry your iPhone SE, place it in the palm of your hand with the Lightning connector facing down. Tap gently to remove excess water, then dry your iPhone in a dry, ventilated area.

Placing it in front of a fan to blow cool air directly onto the Lightning connector can help dry it faster.

However, avoid drying it with high-temperature heat sources or inserting foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or paper towels, into the Lightning connector.

Is it possible to charge the iPhone SE even if it gets wet?

If your iPhone SE gets wet, remove all cables and do not charge it until it is completely dry. If you charge your iPhone while it is wet, you may damage your iPhone. If the charging part gets wet, wait at least 5 hours before charging it.

By the way, for iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation) that can be charged wirelessly, clean the body with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth. Make sure it is dry before placing it on the wireless charging pad.

[Riferimento]Splashproof, waterproof and dustproof performance of iPhone 7 and later

I want to improve the waterproof performance even more! Waterproof case compatible with iPhone SE recommended for these people

As you know, the iPhone SE has been equipped with waterproof performance since the second generation model. Also, if you install a waterproof case, you may be able to use it with more peace of mind.

Therefore, we would like to introduce waterproof iPhone cases compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation).

Recommended Waterproof Case for iPhone SE ① “LifeProof WĀKE”[Compatibile con iPhone SE (2a generazione/3a generazione)]

An eco-friendly product with over 85% of the case made from recycled plastic. The wave-inspired design is unique.

【Reference】「LifeProof WĀKE」

Recommended Waterproof Case for iPhone SE ② “SLIM DIVER” equivalent to IP68 waterproof standard[Compatibile con iPhone SE (2a generazione)]

This case is equivalent to the highest grade IP68, which combines waterproof performance to resist water intrusion at a depth of 2 meters and highest grade dust resistance to prevent dust from entering.

Not only can you charge the case while wearing it, but you can also easily take it on and off without using screws.

[Riferimento]”SLIM DIVER”

Recommended waterproof case for iPhone SE ③ “Waterproof case” safe even on the beach[Compatibile con iPhone SE (2a e 3a generazione)]

The case has IPX8 grade waterproof performance that “water will not enter inside even if it is continuously immersed in water” and IP6X grade dustproof performance that “dust will not enter inside”. It is safe to use at the beach or construction sites.

Although it’s a screen-covering case, it boasts smooth operations like Touch ID that aren’t much different than when you’re not wearing the case.

[Riferimento]“Waterproof Case”

*Data is based on editorial research as of early January 2024.
*Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the content.
*Please use and operate at your own risk.

Text/Nana Yamada

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