Can The Apple Watch Get Wet In the Shower, Pool, or Sink?

Key Points:

• The first generation Apple Watch was not waterproof but water resistant, meaning a few drops of water wouldn’t break it, but submersion or use in the shower was forbidden.
• The Apple Watch Series 2 or Watch Series 6 are waterproof, meaning you can wear them in the shower and even underwater if staying above 154 feet and avoiding sports such as water skiing.
• The Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch SE are completely waterproof.
• The Apple Watch Ultra is completely submersible for up to 50 meters and can handle water sports.

The number of activated Apple Watches worldwide is staggering at over 100 million. While you can wear the Apple Watch in a variety of conditions, all models are not equal. They all have a degree of water resistance, but there’s a considerable difference between some series. So, if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to get the Apple Watch wet in the shower or pool, you’ve come to the right place.

Can the Apple Watch Get Wet: Overview

The easy answer to this question is no. While you can technically get the Apple Watch wet since all models are water-resistant, they are not necessarily waterproof. It all depends on the model. There have been eight generations of this smartwatch, and the 1st gen Apple Watch arrived in 2015.

The overall design of the watch hasn’t changed much in that time, considering there are still no round Apple Watches. Build quality, durability, and water resistance have seen upgrades, however, so earlier versions aren’t quite as resilient as newer ones.

1. First-Generation Apple Watches

When the first Apple Watch hit the market, it became an instant hit. Often referred to as Apple Watch Series 0, this device helped bring smartwatches to the masses. While it was a technological marvel at the time, it was not waterproof.

The first-generation Apple Watch had an IPX7 rating. That means it was “splash” proof, not waterproof, so you couldn’t take it into a pool. You also couldn’t use the Apple Watch Series 0 in a shower, although it was safe around sinks and you can wipe it down.

Apple released the Apple Watch Series 1 on September 12, 2016, roughly a year after the original. It’s technically part of the second generation of Apple Watches but still has the same IPX7 rating as the original watch. Both of them are discontinued and currently unsupported by Apple.

2. Apple Watch Series 2 through Apple Watch Series 7

Apple decided to make the Apple Watch fully waterproof starting with the Apple Watch Series 2. It’s also where the company began to provide more bands and finishes which vary from year to year. The waterproof ratings stay the same across the generations with the ISO standard 22810:2010.

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03/03/2023 03:35 am GMT

Simply put, you can wear the Apple Watch Series 2 or Watch Series 6 in the pool or the ocean and not worry about getting it wet. As long as you don’t exceed 50 meters or 164 feet, the watch will remain waterproof. Showering is safe, but you’ll want to steer clear of waterskiing or anything involving high-velocity water jets.

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This standard continues from the Apple Watch Series 2 to the Apple Watch Series 7. You may not get support on the older Apple Watch 2 or Apple Watch 3, but every model released from that time until 2021 is certified with the ISO standard 22810:2010.

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03/03/2023 03:35 am GMT

The only major difference comes into play with the Apple Watch 7. For this series, the company introduced IP6X dust resistance to go along with the upgraded waterproofing.

3. Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch SE: Can They Get Wet?

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03/03/2023 03:39 am GMT

With the exception of 2015, Apple has launched a new smartwatch every year since 2014. In 2022, Apple unveiled not one, but three new watches: the Apple Watch 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra. It’s safe to say you can get the new Apple Watch wet, regardless of the model.

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05/04/2023 01:34 pm GMT

The Apple Watch SE is a second-generation device with an affordable price tag, while the Apple Series 8 is the company’s most premium smartwatch to date. Just like the Apple Watch 7, it’s fully waterproof.

You can wear the Apple Watch 8 or the Apple Watch SE in the ocean or a pool and they won’t malfunction. Rinsing them off in the sink isn’t a problem and you certainly won’t have to worry about wearing them outdoors in the rain.

4. Apple Watch Ultra

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03/03/2023 03:39 am GMT

All new Apple smartwatches are submersible up to 50 meters, which should be more than enough for the average consumer. That depth covers shallow scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. When you need more protection, the Apple Watch Ultra is the company’s best waterproof smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Ultra is the first smartwatch from Apple with a Titanium casing and an extra action button on the side. Designed for the outdoors, this watch is safe up to a depth of 100 meters, double the depth of regular models.

IP6X dust resistance is preset on the Apple Watch Ultra, and it’s been tested to MIL-STD 810H standards as well. While the water rating is 100 meters, the company says you should not scuba dive below 40 meters while wearing the Ultra. In addition, it can handle watersports and is resistant to extreme temperature swings, vibrations, and altitudes.

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