Apple Watch water resistant but not unsinkable, owners learn
A victim of drowning.
Image by Cybernews
- A Reddit user said their Apple Watch Series 7 died after five minutes in a pool.
- Apple says its watches are water resistant, not waterproof, and protection can weaken over time.
- Drops, soap, perfume, oil, strong water pressure, and steam can damage seals that keep water out.
- Owners of older smartwatches may face higher water-damage risk because seals and adhesives naturally degrade.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
A Reddit user said they didn’t realize a casual dip in water with their Apple Watch would be its last.
“My Apple Watch Series 7 is dead,” wrote one Reddit user, sharing that after swimming in a pool, they noticed their watch was unresponsive after 5 minutes in the water.
The user said they’d had the device for years and haven’t had any issues when swimming, but learned “the hard way that the water resistance doesn’t last forever.”
The Redditor noted that this was caused by normal wear and tear over the years, so there’s no way to tell when your smartwatch might be counting its last dip.
“So if you’ve got an older watch, maybe don’t trust it in the water like I did,” concluded the netizen.
Water resistance degrades
When it comes to Apple watches, they’re “water resistant, but not waterproof,” according to Apple's support page.
“Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and can diminish over time,” the company said, adding a list of occurrences and substances that could affect water resistance.
The list includes dropping the watch, exposure to liquids such as soap, perfume, insect repellents, and oil, and exposure to strong water pressure and steam.
To avoid shortening the smartwatch’s lifespan, the watch should be cleaned with fresh, warm water and dried with a lint-free cloth, especially after sweating or after contact with the previously mentioned liquids, as “chemicals found in these items could negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes.”
How long does water resistance last?
While smartwatches can work for years, it’s hard to estimate how long their water resistance feature will last.
“My Series 3 was good for years and years in the water and never had an issue. I don’t think it’s common for it to wear down to that extent,” shared one Reddit user.
While some users noted they’d been using their devices in the water for years, others weren't so lucky.
“First Apple Watch I had, I went swimming twice. Once in the ocean. Died after 8 minutes. Never took another watch swimming,” shared another netizen.
Another user noted that this could depend on the smart watches' “age,” rather than their model, saying that devices older than 3 years perhaps shouldn’t be taken for a swim.
“Splashes should be fine, but be wary of submerging it underwater,” they wrote.
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How does water resistance “work?”
To make smartwatches water-resistant, their enclosures are tightly sealed with water-tight adhesives and rubber gaskets.
However, over time, they wear out, leaving the device susceptible to water damage.
Water-resistant devices also have a different rating that indicates how resistant their smartwatch is to water.
For example, if the watch is rated 3 ATM (atmospheres), which is equivalent to a depth of 30 meters, it means the device can withstand rain or splashes when washing one’s hands.
If the watch has a 5 ATM rating, it can be used for showering or swimming, while a device with a 10 ATM rating is suitable for snorkeling or recreational water sports but can’t be used for deep scuba diving. For that, you need an ATM rating of 20.
FAQ about smartwatch water resistance
How are Apple smart watches water-resistant?
They use sealed gaskets, adhesives, and a compression-fitted case to keep water out, plus a Water Lock feature that vibrates trapped water out of the speaker.
Are all Apple smart watches water-resistant?
Yes, but resistance levels differ. Most models are rated to 50 meters, Ultra models to 100 meters, while the original Watch and Series 1 are only splash-resistant.
How long does a smartwatch stay water-resistant?
There's no fixed lifespan. Seals and adhesives naturally degrade with wear, impacts, and exposure to soaps or lotions, and Apple can't reseal or recertify a watch once resistance diminishes.
How to test if your watch is still sealed?
There's no reliable official self-test. Look for signs like muffled sound, fogging under the display, or moisture warnings, and avoid submerging it if in doubt.
FAQ by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
