Is the Apple Watch Series 3 waterproof? The short answer is no; however, the long answer is more nuanced. While Apple Watches are not completely waterproof, depending on the model, they do offer varying degrees of water resistance. Let’s look at the different generations and their capabilities to better understand which Apple Watches are water-resistant and to what extent.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Waterproof: Overview
- Apple Watch Series 0 and Series 1 models: Water resistance is not officially rated for these models. While they can withstand a few splashes and sweat, it is best to keep them dry to avoid damage.
- Apple Watch Series 2, Series 3, and Series 4: These models are all water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you can swim in them or wear them while participating in water-based activities without worry. Just keep in mind that they aren’t suitable for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports like water skiing.
- Apple Watch Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and SE: Like their predecessors, these models are water-resistant up to 50 meters. However, they have a unique feature: the Water Lock mode. Water Lock mode, when activated, prevents accidental screen touches while submerged and expels any water that may have entered the speaker holes once you’re out of the water. Isn’t that amazing?
- Apple Watch Ultra: This bad boy was built for adventure. You can wear it during recreational scuba diving up to 40 metres (130 feet) and other activities such as swimming, showering, and water skiing because it has a water-resistance rating of 100 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is EN13319-compliant.
What Apple Watch Models are Waterproof?
All Apple Watches are water-resistant to varying degrees, but Apple avoids using words like waterproof, which implies invincibility. What they can handle is always limited.
The six models can be divided into two groups based on their liquid resistance and Apple’s recommendations and warnings.
- Original Apple Watch and Series 1: Splash- and water-resistant, but not submersible.
- Series 2, 3, 4, and 5 Apple Watches: Water-resistant to 50m, but Apple advises swimming in shallow water and avoiding “high-velocity water.”
Is the Original Apple Watch Waterproof?
The first Apple Watch, released in 2015, has an IPX7 water-resistance rating according to IEC standard 60529. We go over IP ratings in more detail below, but in summary, it’s protected against liquid immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m.
While the first-generation Apple Watch is splash- and water-resistant (Tim Cook reportedly wore his in the shower), Apple does not recommend submerging it completely. If your Apple Watch does get wet, see What to Do If Your Apple Watch Gets Wet.
Is the Apple Watch Series 1 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 1 has the same IPX7 water-resistance rating as the original Apple Watch, according to IEC standard 60529. Again, this means it’s resistant to liquid immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m.
While the Apple Watch Series 2 is splash- and water-resistant, Apple does not recommend completely submerging it. If your Apple Watch Series 1 is completely submerged, continue to the relevant section of What to do if your Apple Watch gets wet.
Is the Apple Watch Series 2 waterproof?
According to ISO standard 22810:2010, the Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. In other words, you can swim with it as long as you don’t go too deep.
However, there are limitations, and Apple is typically cautious about the specific aquatic behaviours that the Series 2 can survive.
Perfect (According to Apple):
- Swimming in a swimming pool
- Taking a dip in the sea
Not Acceptable (According to Apple):
- Dive diving
- Water skiing (or other high-velocity water-related activities)
- Steam rooms and saunas
- Lathering up with soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Doused in perfume, lotions, and oils
- Acidic foods and acids
- Hair colouring
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 3 has the same water-resistance rating as the Series 2: 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. Again, shallow-water swimming is permitted, but scuba diving, waterskiing, and other activities involving “high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth” are prohibited.
Is the Apple Watch Series 4 Waterproof?
The Series 4 is water-resistant to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, with an official warning to avoid scuba diving, waterskiing, or high-velocity water.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Waterproof?
Finally, the Series 5 has the same water-resistance rating as the Series 2, 3, and 4: 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. It is water-resistant rather than waterproof.
How To Clean Your Apple Watch
Cleaning your Apple Watch is essential not only for maintaining product quality but also for avoiding skin irritation. According to Apple, this is how it’s done:
- Disconnect your Apple Watch. If it is connected to a charger, disconnect it.
- Remove any non-water-resistant bands you’re wearing.
- Clean the Watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with fresh water.
- Alternatively, for 10 to 15 seconds, hold the Watch under a lightly running tap of warm fresh water.
- Do not use soap or other cleaning products to clean your Apple Watch.
- Dry the front, back, and sides of your Apple Watch using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
How to Use Water Lock
The Water Lock feature, available on the Apple Watch 2, 3, 4, and 5, locks the screen of an Apple Watch to prevent accidental taps while swimming and other water-based activities. It also cleans out your Watch’s speakers once you’re finished, which is helpful if you plan to submerge your Watch at all.
This feature can be enabled in two ways:
- Begin a swimming program. The Water Lock feature will automatically activate during Pool Swim and Open Water Swim workouts. To begin, open the Workout app and select Pool Swim or Open Water Swim.
- Enable Water Lock manually by swiping up on the Watch face and tapping the water droplet icon. When the Water Lock feature is activated, a blue water droplet appears in the centre of the Watch face.
When you’re finished, here’s how to deactivate it:
- After a swimming workout, press the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously. This will put the workout on hold. To unlock the screen, turn the Digital Crown. Then, to end the workout, swipe right and tap the X.
- To activate the Water Lock manually, turn the Digital Crown until the blue teardrop fills the circular icon. Once unlocked, the Apple Watch will make sounds designed to clear water from the speakers. You may even notice water being ejected from your speakers; this is completely normal.
Can I Use My Apple Watch To Go Scuba Diving, Swimming, or Take a Shower?
If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can wear it while scuba diving up to 130 feet (40 meters) and doing other activities like swimming, showering, and water skiing.
Apple Watch Series 2 and later can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. Still, models other than the Apple Watch Ultra should be used for something other than diving, water skiing, or other activities requiring submersion below shallow depth or high-velocity water.
Although the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st generation) are splash and water-resistant, submerging these models is not advised.
Not all Apple Watch bands are water resistant. For example, the stainless steel and leather bands are not water-resistant and should not be exposed to liquids.
Swimming with your Apple Watch
- Turn on Water Lock: Before diving into the deep end, turn on Water Lock mode. Swiping up on the watch face to access the Control Center, then tap on the water droplet icon and turn the Digital Crown. This turns off the touchscreen and locks the screen to prevent unwanted taps and swipes while swimming.
- Rinse After Swimming: Rinse your Apple Watch with fresh water to remove any chlorine, salt water, or other chemicals that may have been present. This aids in the prevention of future damage or corrosion.
- When you’ve finished rinsing your watch, pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. The use of heat sources like hairdryers should be avoided because they can cause internal component damage. Allow it to dry naturally.
- Allow it to rest: While the Apple Watch is water resistant, it’s always a good idea to give it a break from water activities every now and then. Extended exposure to water, particularly in extreme conditions, can still endanger its longevity.
So, whether you’re a fitness fanatic looking to track your laps in the pool or someone who enjoys the occasional beach day, there’s an Apple Watch for you. Just remember to double-check your specific model’s water resistance rating and take the necessary precautions to ensure its longevity.
While Apple Watches are not completely waterproof, they offer varying degrees of water resistance. The newer models are built to handle your aquatic activities, from surviving splashes and sweat to accompanying you on swimming adventures. So jump in and revel in the freedom.
What Should I Stay Away From While Wearing My Apple Watch?
Water resistance is not a permanent state and can deteriorate over time. Water resistance on the Apple Watch cannot be rechecked or resealed. The following things can harm your Apple Watch’s water resistance and should be avoided:
- Dropping the Apple Watch or subjecting it to other adversities
- Using soap or soapy water on the Apple Watch (for example, while showering or bathing)
- Using perfume, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye on the Apple Watch
- Exposing non-Apple Watch Ultra models to high-velocity water (for example, while water skiing)
- Wearing the Apple Watch while cliff or high-diving
- In a steam room, wearing an Apple Watch
- In a sauna, wearing Apple Watch models other than the Apple Watch Ultra
- Wearing an Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna with a temperature above 55° C (130° F)
While the aforementioned should be avoided, if your Apple Watch comes into contact with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, hair dye, or any other substance other than water, it should be cleaned with warm water and dried with a lint-free cloth. Chemicals found in these items may harm water seals and acoustic membranes.
What Should I Do if I Get My Apple Watch Wet?
Wipe the water off your Apple Watch with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Use of heat, compressed air, or sprays is not permitted. After a workout or heavy sweating, clean and dry your Apple Watch, the band, and your skin. After swimming, gently rinse the Apple Watch Series 2 and then run it under warm, fresh water. Next, thoroughly dry the Apple Watch and the band.
Follow the steps below if your Apple Watch gets wet and the speaker sounds muffled. Don’t put anything into the openings, such as the microphone or speaker ports, and don’t shake the watch to get rid of water. Allowing your Apple Watch to charge overnight may hasten the evaporation process.
Measurements from the barometric altimeter on Apple Watch Series 3 and later may be less accurate if water enters the air vent (for example, while swimming). After the water evaporates, normal altimeter performance returns.
Series 2 and Later Apple Watches
When you begin a swimming workout, your Apple Watch locks the screen with Water Lock to prevent accidental taps. If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can set it to activate Water Lock automatically when submerged to a depth of 10cm or less. When you’re done, press and hold the Digital Crown* to unlock the screen and remove any water from your Apple Watch. To clear any remaining water in the speaker, a series of tones is played.
Swipe up on the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center, then tap Water Lock, then press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker.
If your Apple Watch runs watchOS 8 or earlier, rotate rather than press the Digital Crown.
Series 1 or Earlier Apple Watch
To see if there is any water in the microphone or speaker, place it, speaker-side down, on a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth and see if any water drips out. Water in the port can reduce speaker or microphone performance until it completely evaporates.
Apple Watch Bands Made for Swimming
Now that you’ve determined which Apple Watch models are suitable for swimming, it’s time to pair it with a band. First up is the tried-and-true Sport Band. This band is a traditional choice for water sports. It is not afraid to get wet because it is made of high-quality silicone. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and available in vibrant colours that will make your wrist pop as you glide through the water.
For those who like to take your swimming adventures to the next level, iSTRAP introduces the Sport Band Active. Swimming is taken to a whole new level of coolness by this band. It has perforations that allow for increased breathability and quick drying. No more dripping wrists after a swim! You can make waves in style and comfort with the Sport Band Active.
Last but not least, there is the Ocean Band. This band is ready to conquer the deep blue sea, just like its name suggests. It is made of soft, waterproof silicone and can withstand splashes, saltwater, and chlorine. Its sleek and streamlined design ensures a secure fit on your wrist, allowing you to focus solely on perfecting your backstroke.
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Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Waterproof: References
