Apple's Smart watches have been water resistant since the series 2. However which of the new iterations is actually water proof?
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How waterproof is the Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch is water-resistant, but not waterproof. The water-resistance rating for each model is different, but all Apple Watches can withstand splashes of water and rain. However, they should not be submerged in water for extended periods of time (longer than 20-30 minutes).
According to Apple, however, you can use any Apple Watch Series 2 or later for shallow-water activities like swimming
For anything more extreme, like diving or skiing, you need an Apple Watch Ultra*.
The Series 3
The Series 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming (ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Series 3 [GPS 42mm] Smart Watch w/ Silver Aluminum Case...
- GPS
- Retina display
- Swimproof
- Optical heart sensor
- Stores music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- GPS
- Retina display
- Swimproof
- Optical heart sensor
- Stores music, podcasts, and audiobooks
The Series 4
The Series 4 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming(ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44MM) - Stainless Steel Case...
- GPS + Cellular
- Over 30% larger display
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- ECG app
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback
- GPS + Cellular
- Over 30% larger display
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- ECG app
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback
- 50% louder speaker
- S4 Sip with faster 64-bit dual-core processor
- Improved accelerometer and gyroscope for fall detection
- Swim proof
- watches' 5
The Series 5
The Series 5 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming (ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44MM) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with...
- GPS Only
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- GPS Only
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
The Series 6
The Series 6 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming (ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) - Silver Aluminum Case with White...
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS Model lets you call, text, and get directions from your wrist, while leaving your phone in your pocket. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC to suit all of your possible needs.
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS Model lets you call, text, and get directions from your wrist, while leaving your phone in your pocket. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC to suit all of your possible needs.
- ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the display never sleeps. All you need to do is glance to find the time or your workout metrics right there where you want them.
- ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It's a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide data for doctors and peace of mind for you wherever may be during the day.
- WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training.the list goes on. You me it, Apple Watch measures it. Set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when you're done, and track how you're trending over time in the Activity app on your iPhone.
- GET LOST IN YOUR MUSIC: With Apple Music on your wrist, you've got 60 million tracks of musical motivation to take you places. You can also catch up on the latest podcasts or listen to an audiobook if that's your thing. Stream everything you need right from your watch, even without your phone.
The Series 7 (latest one)
The Series 7 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming (ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm) Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport...
- Always-on Retina display has nearly 20% more screen area than Series 6, making everything easier to see and use than ever before
- The most crack-resistant front crystal yet on an Apple Watch, IP6X dust resistance, and swimproof design just to name a few awesome features
- Always-on Retina display has nearly 20% more screen area than Series 6, making everything easier to see and use than ever before
- The most crack-resistant front crystal yet on an Apple Watch, IP6X dust resistance, and swimproof design just to name a few awesome features
- Take an ECG anytime, anywhere - Get high and low heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm notifications - Measure your blood oxygen with a powerful sensor and app
- Track your daily activity on Apple Watch, and see your trends in the Fitness app - Stay in the moment with the new Mindfulness app, and reach your sleep goals with the Sleep app
- Track new tai chi and pilates workouts, in addition to favorites like running, yoga, swimming, and dance - Sync your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks - Pay instantly and securely from your wrist with Apple Pay
The SE
The SE is water-resistant up to 50 meters. Suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming (ISO standard 22810:2010.)
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case...
- WHY APPLE WATCH SE — All the essentials to help you monitor your fitness, keep connected, track your health, and stay safe. Now up to 20 percent faster, with features like Crash Detection and enhanced workout metrics, it's a better value than ever.
- WHY APPLE WATCH SE — All the essentials to help you monitor your fitness, keep connected, track your health, and stay safe. Now up to 20 percent faster, with features like Crash Detection and enhanced workout metrics, it's a better value than ever.
- EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in a range of sizes and colors, with dozens of bands to choose from and watch faces with complications tailored to whatever you're into.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY FEATURES — Get help when you need it with Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS. Get deep insights into your health, including notifications if you have an irregular rhythm or an unusually high or low heart rate.
- SIMPLY COMPATIBLE — It works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services. Unlock your Mac automatically. Find your devices with a tap. Pay and send money with Apple Pay. Apple Watch requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version.
- SWIMPROOF AND STYLISH — Water resistant to 50 meters. Three finishes. And a redesigned, color-matched back case made with a new production process that reduces its carbon emissions over 80 percent.
- APPS ON YOUR WRIST — With access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store right on your wrist, Apple Watch is the perfect personal device for whatever you love to do.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — The enhanced Workout app gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, make a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, or call for help with Emergency SOS. Apple Watch SE (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- APPLECARE — Every Apple Watch comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Get AppleCare+ to extend your coverage and reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.
- LEGAL DISCLAIMERS — This is a summary of the main product features. See below to learn more.
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is EN13319-compliant. This means that if you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can wear it for recreational activities such as diving, swimming, water skiing and showering.
- Product
- Features
- Photos
Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smart Watch w/Rugged Titanium Case...
- WHY APPLE WATCH ULTRA — Rugged and capable, built to meet the demands of endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts — with a specialized band for each. Up to 36 hours of battery life, plus all the Apple Watch features that help you stay healthy, safe, and connected.
- WHY APPLE WATCH ULTRA — Rugged and capable, built to meet the demands of endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts — with a specialized band for each. Up to 36 hours of battery life, plus all the Apple Watch features that help you stay healthy, safe, and connected.
- EXTREMELY RUGGED, INCREDIBLY CAPABLE — 49mm corrosion-resistant titanium case. Larger Digital Crown and more accessible buttons. 100m water resistance. Customizable Action button for instant physical control over a variety of functions.
- BIGGEST, BRIGHTEST DISPLAY YET— A bright Always-On Retina display that's easy to see, even in direct sunlight. More room for adding complications to customize your watch face.
- FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES — Advanced metrics in the Workout app, including Heart Rate Zones and Running Form. Precision dual-frequency GPS for accuracy, distance, route, and pace calculations. Trail Loop band is thin, light, and flexible, designed especially for runners.
- FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS — Redesigned Compass app delivers all-new views and functionality. Mark your location with Compass Waypoints. Backtrack uses GPS to map where you've been so you can retrace your steps. Alpine Loop band is extremely rugged and secure to meet the needs of hikers and climbers.
- FOR WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS — Made for high-impact water sports and diving. The Oceanic+ app puts a dive computer on your wrist. Ocean Band is light and flexible, with a titanium buckle and adjustable loop for a secure fit even during high-speed water sports.
- MOST ADVANCED HEALTH AND SAFETY FEATURES — Advanced health sensors give you deep insights into your health. Fall Detection and Crash Detection can automatically connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. Hold the Action button to activate a siren that can be heard up to 600 feet away.
- APPS ON YOUR WRIST — With access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store right on your wrist, Apple Watch is the perfect personal device for whatever you love to do.
- THE FREEDOM OF CELLULAR — Cellular is built into every model. You can call and text without your iPhone, even overseas with international roaming. Stream your favorite music and podcasts. Get directions with Maps.
- LEGAL DISCLAIMERS — This is a summary of the main product features. See below to learn more.
Tip #1 – Activate the water lock feature
Another tip you can do to take a step above, is to activate the water lock feature. It blocks unwanted touch input from the water. But it does not block water directly. You can enable it by swiping up on your watch and clicking on the little water drop icon.
Tip #2 – Take it off before showering
While many people have no issue showering with their Apple Watch, it is still recommended to take it off. The soap and shampoo residue may impact the functionality after prolonged exposure. So better be safe than sorry.
Tip #3 – Don't use it in salt water or hot tubs
Swimming in clear waters is fine, but we'd recommend not to swim in the ocean or any other salt water or hot tubs.
Learn more directly here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205000
FAQ
What is ISO standard 22810:2010?
ISO standard 22810:2010 is an international standard that defines the minimum requirements for water-resistant watches. The standard was first published in 2010 and was last updated in 2016. It covers watches with a case diameter of at least 31 mm and a case height of at least 5 mm.
What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
The main difference between water-resistant and waterproof is the level of protection they offer. Water-resistant watches are designed to protect against splashes, sweat, and rain. Waterproof watches, on the other hand, are designed to protect against submersion in water.
There are three levels of water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM), 50 meters (5 ATM), and 100 meters (10 ATM). The higher the level of water resistance, the greater the protection against water.
How is water resistance measured?
Water resistance is measured in terms of ATM (atmospheres) or meters. ATM is a unit of pressure that is equal to the atmospheric pressure at sea level. One ATM is equal to 10 meters of water depth.
Why is water resistance important?
Water resistance is important because it determines how well a watch can withstand exposure to water. Water can damage a watch in two ways: by corroding the metal components or by getting into the watch movement and causing it to malfunction.
What are the benefits of water resistance?
There are several benefits of water resistance. First, it increases the life of a watch by protecting it from corrosion and damage. Second, it allows a watch to be worn in all types of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and humidity. Third, it makes a watch more comfortable to wear, as it prevents sweat and moisture from building up on the skin. Fourth, it makes a watch easier to clean, as water can simply be rinsed off.
What are the limitations of water resistance?
Despite its many benefits, water resistance does have some limitations. First, it is not permanent and will eventually degrade over time. Second, it is not absolute and can be breached by strong impact or force. Third, it can be affected by environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity. Finally, it is not suitable for all types of activities, such as swimming or diving.