Which Apple Watch is Waterproof?

Ah, the alluring Apple Watch.

First introduced onto the market in April of 2015, the Apple Watch has gained traction with its versatile design. 

Whether you are looking for a watch that can cater to your health and wellness needs or that will be your companion when you cannot have your iPhone nearby, the Apple Watch can do just about whatever you need it to.

And, if you get one of the newer Apple Watch series, you can submerge it in up to 50 meters (or 164 feet for those of you not using the Metric system) of water. 

That’s right – the Apple Watch Series 2 and newer can go along with you as you do some casual just-off-the-coast diving.

But is the Apple Watch waterproof? And if so, which ones? 

Which Apple Watch is Waterproof?

No Apple Watch is waterproof. However, the Apple Watch Series 2 and newer have a water-resistance rating of WR50, meaning that they can be submerged in up to 50 meters of water. There are still some things that these watches cannot withstand despite their durable design.

What can you do with an Apple Watch? How hard of a water blast can it take? 

Should you wear it in the shower or in the sauna? 

What can cause these watches to malfunction?

Read on to learn more about the Apple Watch and its water-resistant abilities.

Which Apple Watch Series are rated WR50?

Not all of the Apple Watches out there are rated WR50.

If you buy the Apple Watch Series 1 or first generation Apple Watch, they will have a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529. 

IPX7 essentially means that the watch can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.

After those watches were released, Apple realized that they needed to step their game up in terms of water-resistance. 

That is why the Apple Watch Series 2 and newer are all rated WR50.

What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

If something is water-resistant, it means that the materials can repel water – to an extent.

After a certain amount of exposure or pressure force, the materials will not be able to handle it, with water soaking or seeping into the device.

Now, if something is waterproof, it means that material is actually impervious to water. 

Water cannot penetrate certain materials. 

For example, you have to apply a waterproof finish when you are building a deck, or else rain and snow will soak the wood and ruin it over time.

What You Can Do With Your Apple Watch

So, what can you do with your Apple Watch (well, at least the Series 2 and after)? As it turns out, you can do a lot with them. 

If you are using an Apple Watch Series 1 or first generation, then they are splash and sweat resistant, but you won’t want to take them in the pool since submerging them for extended periods of time is not recommended.

Here is what you can do with the Series 2 or newer:

1. Use them for shallow water diving (in up to 50 meters) in a pool or the ocean.
2. In the shower – but without exposing the Apple Watch to any liquid chemicals from soap, body wash, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner.
3. While working out at the gym or going for a jog in the rain.

What You Shouldn’t Do With Your Apple Watch

What can’t you do with an Apple Watch Series 2 or newer? Apple has some recommendations there too. 

You should refrain from:

1. Using the Apple Watch for scuba diving/deep sea diving.
2. Using the watch during high impact water sports (like jet skiing).
3. Wearing the Watch while showering with soap, lotion, body wash, or anything else containing chemicals.
4. In the sauna or steam room.
5. Exposing the Apple Watch to solvents, acids or acidic foods, perfume, detergent, lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent, or hair dye.
6. Intentionally dropping the Watch or exposing it to any sort of high impact.

What To Do If You Sustain Water Damage

Accidents happen, and Apple is well aware of this fact. 

That is why it is encouraged that you get AppleCare+ to cover accidental damage. 

Apple Watch and Apple Watch Nike all come with one year of hardware repair coverage through their limited warranty, plus you get up to 90 days of complimentary support from Apple. 

AppleCare+ extends your coverage and allows for two accidental damage repairs every 12 months. 

There is an applicable service fee, but it can save you money should you accidentally get water damage.

If you do get some water damage, do not panic.

If you get a little bit of water damage, you need to quickly wipe it off with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. 

Do not use any type of heat, compressed air, or sprays to dry the watch off – those things can all cause more damage.

When To Call Apple Support

If something happens to your Apple Watch and you cannot fix it yourself, call Apple Support.

Extensive water damage or impact damage from a drop could result in a complex repair or the need for a full replacement. 

If this seems to be the case, put that AppleCare+ extended warranty coverage to good use.

Closing Thoughts

The Apple Watch is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

And, for the price point, that is exactly what you should expect. 

No watch is infallible though, so you still need to take good care of your Apple Watch. 

Heed Apple’s recommendations, and you should be able to enjoy using your watch for years to come. 

They are versatile and helpful for keeping track of your health and wellness.

Just be sure to take them off before you shower or head out on your jet ski.