The iPhone 7 Finally Gets Water Resistant

Apple had long been a holdout on offering water resistance for its smartphones. Every bit a result, water impairment has been i of the leading causes of iPhone harm. Estimates vary, simply typically put the numbers at 35% to 40% of all iPhone repairs. And with the neb for a water-damaged iPhone often hit $299 or more through Apple tree, information technology'southward easy to sympathize why iPhone fans were and then excited when Apple announced the iPhone 7 is h2o resistant.

But if you no longer have to worry about water impairment, why are case manufacturers still selling waterproof cases for the iPhone 7 and iPhone seven Plus?

Water Resistant Doesn't Mean Waterproof

The iPhone seven and iPhone 7 Plus are rated as existence IP67 splash, water and dust resistant under IEC standard 60529.

That ways the iPhone 7 can survive being submerged in but over three anxiety of h2o for up to thirty minutes. There is also fine print most "water." Water doesn't hateful salt water, or other liquids, but fresh h2o and under "laboratory conditions." Furthermore, the water resistance is accomplished past eliminating as many ingress points as possible (one alibi Apple tree gave for eliminating the 3.5mm headphone jack), and by use of condom gaskets around the remaining ones --and prophylactic wears out.

And so water resistant the solar day you bought your iPhone 7 becomes slightly less water resistant over time.

If the LCI strip on your iPhone 7 turns red, prepare to pay for h2o damage (Credit: Apple)

Speaking of fine print, Apple as well notes that liquid impairment is not covered past Apple'south warranty. In fact, despite the fact that the iPhone 7 is h2o resistant, Apple all the same includes the infamous LCI (Liquid Contact Indicator) on the smartphone. If this strip turns red, Apple will deem any damage to an iPhone vii to accept been acquired by liquid exposure, which means you are not covered by the warranty.

AppleCare+ does embrace water impairment, but you pay an extra $129 for the coverage, plus $99 for the repair.

That'due south Why the Waterproof Cases Are Still a Thing

Apple tree's IP 67 rating is why manufacturers still brand waterproof cases for the iPhone seven, similar this $ninety Wetsuit for the iPhone 7 Plus from Dog & Bone. Even here, "waterproof" is used very loosely. This case --like well-nigh waterproof smartphone cases-- is IP68 rated. This means it can withstand beingness submerged for one hour in upwards to vi.6-feet of water. Dog & Bone says you can accept this ane to the beach, though, and you lot also get protection from drops and impacts.

$xc for a case may seem expensive, merely information technology's a lot less than paying for AppleCare+ and filing a water damage merits. If you lot want to learn more about this particular waterproof case, I reviewed the Dog & Bone Wetsuit a few months back.

Practice You Need a Waterproof Example for Your iPhone 7

The nice thing about the iPhone 7 is that y'all don't demand to be concerned about it getting a fiddling wet if y'all pull information technology out to accept a photo in a calorie-free pelting. You don't need to worry about sitting past the pool and having someone accidentally splash it. Even if you accidentally drop information technology in the toilet --and a surprising number of smartphone owners do-- it should survive.

Simply your iPhone vii is not waterproof. If you want to bring information technology to the embankment, take a quick photo ducking below the surface of a swimming puddle or use information technology in torrential pelting, snapping it into a waterproof case is still a proficient idea. Otherwise, you lot're liable to find yourself at a Genius Bar, whipping out your credit menu and cursing that ruby LCI indicator.