Don’t know if your iPhone is waterproof or not? Confused between IP67 and IP68 ratings? Get all the answers in our IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning guide.
I have a confession to make, I, unfortunately, treat my phone like crap, even though I’m an Apple fanboy. It’s not that I am careless with it, it’s just that I have butterfingers. And I’ve lost quite a few iPhones to water and other types of damage.
Back in the day when Apple announced that the iPhone 7 would have an IP67 Rating water-resistant, I was extremely excited. Check out our “IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning?” guide for all the details.
This IP rating/waterproof was a feature Apple was lacking for a while even though the majority of the competition had it. iPhones becoming water-resistant was sweet news for me. It meant one less thing to worry about.
Every generation since iPhone 7 has been IP rated, at least IP67-rated. But then since the iPhone XS, all iPhones are IP68 rated. Even, the latest iPhone 12 and the upcoming iPhone 13 is IP68 rated.
This got me wondering what the difference was and if a choice was offered which one, I should choose. Here’s our “IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning?” guide for all the details.
After having gone through Apple’s official documents, my team and I found that:
The IP67 rating is given to iPhones that are completely dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes when immersed in water for up to 1-meter depth. IP68 on the other hand is also completely dustproof and is waterproof for more than 1-meter depth.
Related: Best Waterproof Bags for iPhone
IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning?
Table of Contents
What is an IP rating?
An IP rating is rather common in the smartphone and smart wearable space. IP is the abbreviation of Ingress Protection ratings. It is given to products/devices when they meet certain criteria of dust and water resistance. The ratings and standards are set by Ingress Protection (IP) Code under the IEC Standard 60529.
For a product to obtain an IP rating, it should be submitted to the IP Code for inspection. This comes at a price and most manufacturers skimp on it. Apple pays for its devices to be inspected and in turn, gets them officially rated by the IP Code under IEC Standard 60529.
The majority of Chinese smartphone manufacturers are not paying for classification to keep their costs down. That said, Apple’s latest iPhone 13 will carry an IP rating. An IP rating in general is more common among top-end models.
While IP67 and IP68 are more common among smartphones, you do see them among high-end Smart Wearables. However, common smartwatches and earbuds usually tend to stick to the lower, IPX4 or IPX7 rating that guards against sweat and water splashes.
IP67 vs. IP68: Main Difference
The main difference between IP67 and IP68 ratings is,
IP67 can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
IP68 can be submerged underwater for more than a meter and more than 30 minutes. So it is important to check what the manufacturer says. However, for iPhones, IP68 usually rates them for 30 minutes of submersion at up to 1.5 meters.
While the difference between IP67 and IP68 might seem negligible, there’s a world of difference between the two. Check out the table below for the IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning.
IP67 vs IP68: What is the difference?
| IP67 | IP68 | |
| Solid | Solid protection rating of 6, that is no harmful dust can enter the device. | Same rating and the same protection from solids. |
| Water | Water protection rating of 7, this protects the phone when submersed in water for 30 minutes for up to 1 meter. | Water protection rating of 8, this protects the phone when submerged in water for deeper than 1 meter (The manufacturer should specify the exact depth). |
| Apple Devices that support | iPhone 7iPhone 8iPhone X | iPhone XSiPhone 11iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and even the upcoming iPhone 13(All future iPhones will feature an IP68 rating, no reason Apple will skimp on it) |
The IP67 rating is given to a device that is protected totally from dust. And an IP67-rated device should also survive for up to 30 minutes when immersed in water for up to 1-meter depth. Apple iPhone series 7, 8, and X are all IP67-rated.
The IP68 rating is given to a device that is protected totally from dust. And an IP68-rated device should also survive when immersed in water for more than 1 meter in depth (the manufacturer should specify the exact depth). The device should be hermetically sealed but manufacturers have to specify the duration and depth it can be underwater. Apple iPhone series XS, 11, and 12 are all IP68 rated.
IP ratings have 2 numbers that provide detail into how water-resistant or dust-resistant a device is. For example, all phones in the iPhone 12 lineup are rated IP68.
- The first number 6 corresponds to the dust rating of the device. The second number 8 is the rating for the water resistance of the device. To know how dust or water-resistant a phone is, we have to understand what the numbers mean.
- The first digit gives the rating of protection for your Apple device from solids, like dust, etc. The second digit gives the rating of protection for your Apple device from water.
| IP Code | Solid/Dust Protection | IP Code | Moisture/Water Protection |
| 1 | Offers protection from contact with any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part | 1 | Offers protection against vertically dripping water |
| 2 | Offers protection from fingers or similar objects | 2 | Offers protection against vertically dripping water when the device is tilted at an angle of 15 degrees |
| 3 | Offers protection from tools, thick wires, or similar objects | 3 | Offers protection against direct sprays of water when the device is tilted at an angle up to 60 degrees |
| 4 | Offers protection from most wires, screws, or similar objects | 4 | Offers protection from sprays and splashing of water in all directions. |
| 5 | Offers partial protection from contact with harmful dust | 5 | Offers protection from low-pressure water projected from a nozzle with a 6.3mm diameter opening in any direction |
| 6 | Offers protection from contact with harmful dust | 6 | Offers protection from water projected in powerful jets from a nozzle with a 12.5mm diameter opening in any direction |
| There is no 7 or 8 rating for solid/dust protection from the IP Code under IEC 60529. | No Rating | 7 | Offers protection from immersion in water for a depth of up to 1 meter (or 3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes |
| No Rating | No Rating | 8 | Offers protection from immersion in water for a depth of more than 1 meter (manufacturer must specify exact depth) |
| X | No rating specified yet but it may offer some protection | X | No rating specified yet but it may offer some protection |
So, if your iPhone is rated IP68, it means that it is protected from contact with harmful dust and from immersion in water of depths greater than 1 meter (the manufacturer must specify the exact depth).
Since IP ratings protect a device from solids (dust) and water, let’s look at the protection IP67 and IP68 offered by Apple devices.
IP67 vs IP68: Dustproof Comparison
Both IP67 and IP68 have the same first digits for solid protection. So, devices of either of the ratings will have the same protection from solids. Both are rated 6 for solid protection and this means that they are both protected from contact with harmful dust. They are tested by the IP Code for 8 hours. No harmful dust or particles seeped into the devices after being in contact with dust for 8 hours.
The iPhone 8 and X series had an IP67 rating and the iPhone XS series had an IP68 rating, but they are both protected at the same level from dust.
IP67 vs IP68: Waterproof Comparison
This is where devices rated with IP67 and IP68 differ in terms of protection. This is because they have different second digits. IP67-rated devices are a step down from IP68 devices in this regard. Both ratings offer some protection to the devices but IP68 is better.
IP67 offers protection of the device from immersion in water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
IP68 offers protection of the device from immersion in water of more than 1 meter (exact depth should be specified by the manufacturer) for up to 30 minutes.
It is also important to understand that the IP rating is only applicable to freshwater. The committee behind the IP rating, the International Electrotechnical Commission, has stated that if the IP-rated device is submerged in any other liquid other than water, it can have a varied effect. So, the users cannot expect the same level of protection the device has with respect to water.
So, you should think twice before submerging it in sodas, coffee, or beers. From our tests, we’ve found that coffee is the worst while soda and beer leave it slightly sticky. So, If you’ve submerged it in a pitcher, you don’t have to freak out if it’s been under 5 minutes.
But can you swim with an IP67 or an IP68 device? Not really. As mentioned earlier the IEC stated that the IP rating is given to a device based on its resistance to freshwater. Moreover, it is also tested in a lab with clinical conditions.
So, not only does it not have the jagged stones of a river but it also will not have the chemicals of a swimming pool or the saltwater of a sea. As all of these things can damage the phone, it’s not a good idea to swim with your phone.
So in conclusion, IP67 is water-resistant to up to 1m of water, and IP68 is water-resistant to up to 1.5m. However, both can last only up to 30 minutes. Additionally, both are resistant to dust. On the other hand, if the IP67/8 device is submerged in water that’s deeper than 1.5m the water pressure can destroy it.
What are the Similarities between IP67 and IP68
Let’s look at some similarities between IP67 and IP68. You should also know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof is being able to keep water out of the product/device no matter how long they are submerged in water.
- While water-resistant is the ability to keep water from entering the device to some degree. So, smartphones and smartwatches are only water-resistant, they can’t survive in water indefinitely.
- The IP rating only covers the number specified and not the ones above them. That is if your device is rated 8 for water-resistant, it doesn’t mean it can survive a jet stream of water from ratings 5 and 6.
- For example in the case of the iPhone X, the phone is rated IP67 and so it can survive submersion in water (rating 7) for brief periods but it can’t survive a jet of water (5 and 6) subjected to it.
Apple doesn’t recommend taking the phone underwater, or into a shower even though it should survive. Damage from liquids is not covered under the warranty provided by Apple.
IP67 vs IP68 Waterproof Meaning? – Final Thoughts
IP68-rated devices have the same protection as IP67 devices for dust. Also, IP68-rated devices are better when it comes to water resistance, which makes them the obvious choice.
It is now clear which one you should personally choose, always IP68 over IP67. If for some reason Apple releases two versions of the same iPhone with IP67 and IP68 water ratings, choose the IP68-rated phone blindly because it is better.
But this will never happen, because Apple knows IP68 is better, and water resistance will only get better for iPhones from now on.
Other Apple Devices with IP ratings
Other Apple devices like you’re Apple Watch (Series 1 and 1st Generation) are IPX7 rating under IEC standard 60529. The X in IPX7 means that the device hasn’t been specified a rating yet. So, Apple Watch (Series 1 or 1st Generation) is water-resistant, but it may or may not be dust resistant.
Apple AirPods also have an IP rating, they rated IPX4. This makes the AirPods pro slightly water-resistant, it is protected from water splashes and it may or may not be dust resistant.
What is ATM Rating
If you own a watch then you might have heard about the ATM rating system. ATM stands for Atmospheres and it is a rating system that indicates how much atmospheric pressure a device can withstand.
When you go underwater the pressure increases, and IP ratings don’t tell you that. That is why devices that going to submerged deep underwater like watches are rated with ATM.
ATM is an older water resistance rating system, but it is still in use. Here is what the ATM rating system looks like,
| Rating | Pressure | Device Meaning |
| 1 ATM | 0. | Not Water Resistant. Do not put it in water. |
| 3 ATM | Under 100 feet. | The device can be used in rain and it will be protected against splashes. |
| 5 ATM | Under 165 feet. | The device can be submerged in water for short periods, like swimming in a pool. |
| 10 ATM | Under 330 feet. | The device can remain submerged in water for long periods, such as for snorkeling in the ocean. |
| 20 ATM | Under 660 feet. | You can use the device for high-impact water sports like surfing and jet skiing. |
What is Military Standard Certification
You might have heard about another safety standard for devices known as Military certifications. These are devices that are built to last in extreme conditions so that they can be taken to remote workplaces.
MIL-STD-810G puts devices through 29 tests to see if they can handle extreme conditions. These tests include exposure to shock, vibration, heat, cold, humidity, and more. There is a new MIL-STD-810H certification that does up to 30 tests.
MIL-STD-certified devices are great if you are on the move to harsh environments.
FAQs
What is better IP67 or IP68?
This is easy, IP68 is better than IP67 but only by a little. IP68 is the ultimate IP rating a device or product can get.
IP68 means the product can be submerged in water for 30 minutes at a depth of at least 1.5 meters. Some products with an IP68 rating can be submerged for longer and deeper.
On the other hand, IP67 products can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes at a max depth of 1 meter. So, IP68 can be slightly or significantly better than IP67 depending on the device. Note that, Apple and most manufacturers don’t cover water damage under warranty.
Can I swim with IP68?
Yes, but it can depend on the product. For example, watches and smartwatches are designed to be used while swimming, while it is not advisable to swim with your smartphone even though it can be fully submerged in water. You can swim with IP68 devices but is not recommended to swim with smartphones. Note that, Apple and most manufacturers don’t cover water damage under warranty.
Is IP67 fully waterproof?
IP67 is fully waterproof as you can submerge the device or product completely in water. But there are limitations to the IP67 rating. You can only submerge the product up to 1 meter and for 30 minutes max. Beyond these, there is a chance that the product can be damaged by water. Note that, Apple and most manufacturers don’t cover water damage under warranty.
Can I shower with IP68 waterproof?
Yes, you can shower with IP68 devices or products. You can shower with iPhones and other Apple products that are rated at least IP67 and above. Since IP68 is better than IP67, you can shower with IP68 products. Note that, Apple and most manufacturers don’t cover water damage under warranty.
Also Read:
Alan Urban is the Editor-in-chief of Stupid Apple Rumours and often proclaims that he’s ” Apple’s number one fan.”
In addition to keeping up with the latest Apple news, he also reviews Apple products and creates user-friendly guides. When not subjecting Apple Devices to crazy stress tests, he’s usually playing games on Apple Arcade