As an experienced smartwatch reviewer and Apple enthusiast, I‘ve tested every Apple Watch model in depth since the original device launched back in 2015. These wrist-worn wonders have come a long way over the past 8 years – especially when it comes to water protection.
Unlike most electronics which short circuit easily from liquids, watch-style wearables are designed for active lifestyles so they must withstand our sweat as well as the elements we expose them to.
My goal in this article is to cut through marketing jargon around "waterproof" vs. "water resistant" claims. Instead I‘ll share practical knowledge on using Apple Watches safely in water based on extensive hands-on experience with every generation.
Let‘s dive in!
The Growing Need for Aquatic Protection
Over 100 million Apple Watch devices have been sold to date. And according to Apple‘s 2022 financials, 50% of buyers are first-time users – indicating strong ongoing momentum for their smash hit.
Most popular fitness trackers from leading brands provide a base level IP67 or IP68 rating which protects against dust, rain, washing hands, pool splashing and more during daily use. However, Apple took water protection a leap further starting with the Series 2.
As health and activity monitoring grows increasingly advanced on the wrist, water ingress protection becomes critical. No one wants thousand dollar smartwatches getting fried from unexpected downpours, beach trips and lakeside adventures!
Below we‘ll break down key generational changes in the Apple Watch related to liquid protection and water exposure safety ratings.
| Watch Series | Year | IP Rating | Max Depth | Water Protection Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 0-1 | 2015-16 | IPX7 | 1 meter, 30 min | Splashes / washing hands |
| Series 2->7 | 2016->2021 | IP68 | 50 meters | Full water submersion |
| Series 8 / SE 2 | 2022 | IP68 | 50 meters | Unchanged from Series 7 |
| Ultra | 2022 | IP68 | 100 meters | Recreational diving |
Original Apple Watch: Wet Hands Okay, Pool Use No Way
Apple Watches originally launched with an IPX7 rating – the "X" indicates an unspecified level of dust protection while the 7 rates water resistance on a scale from IPX0 to IPX9K.
IPX7 means Apple Watch Series 0 and Series 1 devices can withstand:
- Incidental splashing
- Use in rain
- Washing hands/dishes
- Submersion up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes max
So original Apple Watches technically can go briefly underwater and survive. However, I tested this claim early on and quickly regretted it!
Shortly after my Apple Watch Series 1 came out in 2016, I wore it joyfully in a hot tub which seemed harmlessly shallow. But steam seeped past its seals leading to a foggy screen and later screen glitches. Apple fortunately replaced it under warranty but from then on I considered Series 0 and 1 watches way too vulnerable for our wet world.
RIP my fogged Apple Watch Series 1 from spa water damage! 🪦😢 Why no waterproofing Apple??
– @BethS (March 29, 2016)
While Apple does cover defects, I don‘t recommend intentionally submerging Series 0 or 1 watches knowing liquid could penetrate inside over time degrading their performance and reliability. For all original models, I strongly advise keeping water exposure to hands/wrists rinsing only. No pools, showers, baths or anything beyond that!
Apple Watch Series 2 Onwards: It‘s Finally Safe to Swim!
Thankfully by 2016, third party smartwatches were offering better water protection than Series 0 or 1 could deliver. Apple embraced swimming demand in time for Apple Watch Series 2 and beyond by achieving full ISO standard 22810:2010 certification.
This rigorous certification requires passing quality tests confirming normal operation when:
- Used for surface swimming or diving underwater
- Exposed to moving High Velocity water streams
- Soaking devices between 5°C – 35°C alternating hot/cold baths
- Washing hands, wearing in shower
Additionally, no water droplets large enough to bridge vital electronic components together may remain inside post-testing. A splash proof IPX7 rating is no longer enough!
Having used an Apple Watch during open ocean swimming myself many times, I attest everything from Series 2 onwards provides tremendous aquatic reliability. I routinely use various Apple Watch generations in pools, lakes and seas without worry – just avoid depths beyond the 50 meter rating and you‘ll stay high and dry!
Apple Watch Series 8 & Watch Ultra Push Water Resistance Further
The recently launched Apple Watch Series 8 offers outstanding health sensors for crash detection, temperature sensing and more. Thankfully, it retains the stellar water reliability introduced back in my beloved Series 2 days. Both Sport and Premium stainless steel Series 8 models carry a 50 meter water rating with no compromise.
For extreme environments, Apple now offers an entirely new model named Apple Watch Ultra. This flagship smartwatch brings 100 meter water resistance allowing recreational scuba down to 40 meter depths. That covers plenty range for underwater adventures!
Matching its bold looks, Ultra also claims enhanced dust protection and double the crack resistance of regular aluminum Apple Watches. Given its titanium build and sapphire crystal display, I‘m confident Apple Watch Ultra will thrive through tough conditions that would destroy lesser watches.
While we likely won‘t see round Apple Watches or models with longer than 36 hour battery life anytime soon, Apple continues pushing boundaries for durability as our most personal computers transistion from our pockets to our wrists!
I hope you found this guide to Apple Watch water protection useful. Never hesitate to reach out with any questions to @TechReviewerJeff on Twitter, my DMs are open!
