The Apple Watch is apparently supposed to be waterproof to the IPX7 standard. This means that it should be able to be submerged in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. This level of water resistance is quite impressive for a smartwatch, making it suitable for everyday activities such as washing hands, getting caught in the rain, or even taking a quick shower.
Testing the Apple Watch’s Water Resistance
Now we have a video from the guys over at FoneFox who have tested out just how waterproof the Apple Watch is. Their experiment aimed to push the boundaries of the watch’s water resistance claims by subjecting it to various water-related scenarios.
As we can see in the video below, the device was tested in a shower, submerged in a bucket, and worn in a swimming pool. These tests go beyond the standard IPX7 rating, which only guarantees protection for up to 30 minutes in 1 metre of water. The FoneFox team wanted to see if the Apple Watch could handle more extreme conditions.
Whilst Apple says that the watch can only be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, it looks like the device may be considerably more waterproof than Apple suggests. In the video, the Apple Watch not only survives the shower and bucket tests but also continues to function perfectly after being used in a swimming pool. This suggests that the watch’s water resistance capabilities might exceed the official IPX7 rating.
Practical Implications and Warranty Considerations
Of course, if you use your Apple Watch for swimming and something happens to the device, the Apple warranty may not cover any damage. It’s important to note that while the watch may perform well in water, Apple’s official stance is to limit its exposure to water to the IPX7 standard. This means that any water damage incurred beyond the specified limits might not be covered under warranty.
For those who are looking to use their Apple Watch in water more frequently, such as swimmers or water sports enthusiasts, it might be worth considering additional protective measures. There are various waterproof cases and accessories available that can provide extra protection and peace of mind.
Additionally, Apple has released newer models of the Apple Watch since the initial IPX7-rated version. The Apple Watch Series 2 and later models come with a higher water resistance rating of up to 50 metres, making them more suitable for swimming and other water activities. These newer models are designed with swimmers in mind and include features such as swim tracking and water ejection mechanisms to remove water from the speaker.
In conclusion, while the original Apple Watch with its IPX7 rating offers a decent level of water resistance, real-world tests suggest it might be more robust than officially stated. However, users should still exercise caution and be aware of warranty limitations. For those who require higher water resistance, considering newer models or additional protective accessories might be the best approach.
Source FoneFox, 9 to 5 Mac
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