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Waterproof or resistant
- Thread starter jsf721
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The 
Watch is water resistant. It apparently is more water resistant than claims, but it most definitely is only water resistant. Push it too far beyond its water resistant limits and you will damage it.
Watch is water resistant. It apparently is more water resistant than claims, but it most definitely is only water resistant. Push it too far beyond its water resistant limits and you will damage it.
What is the context... In other words, what specific use do you have in mind that led to the question?
Not sure why you've been unable to find any info on the subject, but...
"...the Apple Watch is rated to the IPX7 waterproofing standard.
Under the IPX7 designation, the Apple Watch will be able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This means that a session in the shower, getting caught in the rain, or washing your hands will not cause damage, but prolonged exposure — such as swimming — would be harmful.
Apple says that users 'can, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise, in the rain, and while washing [their] hands, but submerging Apple Watch is not recommended.' The water resistance rating applies equally to each model of the watch.
IPX7 is a common rating for small portable electronics that are designed for use outdoors, but are not considered rugged. Many handheld GPS units, for example, carry IPX7 ratings."
And of course, there will be people testing those recommended parameters, and there have been videos of people diving in them... I'd stick to the handwashing, rain, shower variety.
"...the Apple Watch is rated to the IPX7 waterproofing standard.
Under the IPX7 designation, the Apple Watch will be able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This means that a session in the shower, getting caught in the rain, or washing your hands will not cause damage, but prolonged exposure — such as swimming — would be harmful.
Apple says that users 'can, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise, in the rain, and while washing [their] hands, but submerging Apple Watch is not recommended.' The water resistance rating applies equally to each model of the watch.
IPX7 is a common rating for small portable electronics that are designed for use outdoors, but are not considered rugged. Many handheld GPS units, for example, carry IPX7 ratings."
And of course, there will be people testing those recommended parameters, and there have been videos of people diving in them... I'd stick to the handwashing, rain, shower variety.
Define waterproof and water resistant. Rhetorical because there is no such thing as an unqualified waterproof device and any device can be called water resistant. These terms are bantered about and used incorrectly by the media and of course the general public.
The
Watch is waterproof to the IPx7 standard and it is a very water resistant device.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
I agree with all comments above.
Will only add that there have been many antectodal stories about people taking their apple watch during prolonged swims with no issues. I am one of them. I've swam with my watch 3 or 4 times with continued water exposure up to around 45 minutes in length. I have had no issues with my watch, but your mileage may vary.
I have heard no stories of Apple watches being water damaged. I have heard no rumors of if Apple would replace a water damaged watch.
Yeah.. I so want to buy Aluminium one just for swimming if Apple allow it (allow apps for swimming in the store).
At least one member replaced his water-damaged Watch under the standard warranty, presumably due to a manufacturing defect as it failed after a simple hand washing. There's bound to be such factory defects. In fact, reports of dead spots of black mass on the screen are indicative of likely water damage. We've also seen defective O-ring seal in the crown and the back of the Watch case coming apart, which would surely sustain water ingress if submerged.
But, yes, we haven't heard stories of non-defective Watches croaking after a swim, etc.
I do not choose to take my watch swimming (I don't have a strong desire to), but I did once by accident. Flipped a kayak. Long story... Anyway, both my watch and my wife's were fine after swimming back to shore.
However it's clear from the warning that swimming with it is not recommended, particularly since the rating is to only 1 meter which is not very deep.
However it's clear from the warning that swimming with it is not recommended, particularly since the rating is to only 1 meter which is not very deep.
They may merely be not recommending submerging it so they don't get a flurry of customers asking why the Watch's touchscreen doesn't work when wet.
Mine has been the the pool three times on accident. Just forgot it was on. It still seems to be fine, so I don't ever bother being careful in the rain or washing my hands. When I first got it I kept it as far from water as I could like a crazy person.