The iPhone 13 is an impressive phone, but it is not fully waterproof. It is water resistant to a certain extent, thanks to its industry-leading IP68 rating. But the iPhone 13 cannot withstand indefinite submersion without potential damage.
In this detailed guide, we‘ll clear up exactly how water resistant the iPhone 13 is, what its capabilities and limitations are, and how to care for your phone to maintain its water protection over time. Let‘s dive in!
iPhone 13 Water Resistance Rating
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models all have an IP68 ingress protection mark. This means Apple has certified these devices as being able to withstand:
- Complete submersion in up to 6 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes
- Dust, dirt, and sand contact without damage
This IP68 rating makes the iPhone 13 more water resistant than most smartphones. However, it is not a guarantee of fully waterproof protection.
Prolonged or deeper water exposure can still cause liquid damage in the iPhone 13. Additionally, liquids other than fresh water, like chlorinated pool water, soapy water, drinks, etc. may impact water resistance.
So the takeaway is the iPhone 13 has excellent water resistance not true waterproofing. Don‘t intentionally swim with it or expect it to survive extended immersion!
How iPhone 13 Water Protection Compares to Other Flagships
The iPhone 13‘s IP68 rating matches other premium flagship phones like the:
- Samsung Galaxy S22 series
- Google Pixel 7 series
- OnePlus 10 Pro
So Apple is on par with competitors regarding water protection. In fact, certain specialty phones designed for ruggedness and outdoor use offer even higher IP69K ratings with deeper water resistance. But these niche phones sacrifice the premium build and features of the iPhone 13.
Overall, among mainstream flagships the iPhone 13 is competitive on water and dust protection. But no popular smartphones are designed to be deliberately used underwater.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof Explained
Let‘s clear up the terminology, since waterproof and water resistant sound similar but have crucial differences:
Waterproof means impervious to water – 100% protection against all water damage. No consumer electronics can achieve this.
Water resistant means able to withstand water exposure to a limited extent before failing. The iPhone 13 reaches IP68, the highest grade of water resistance available, while not being fully waterproof.
Electronic devices always have seams and openings that make 100% waterproofing impossible. The iPhone 13 strikes the best balance of retaining usability while maximizing real-world water protection.
But it still cannot withstand use as an underwater camera, constant pool immersion, or other extreme aqueous situations.
How Long Does iPhone 13 Water Resistance Last?
While advanced, the iPhone 13‘s water resistance does degrade over time with normal wear and tear.
The sealed gaskets, membranes, and water-tight ports inside the device can slowly lose integrity after months of use. Environmental factors like dust and sun exposure also play a role.
One real-world test showed the iPhone 11 suffered noticeably reduced water resistance after just 1 year of typical use. Similar results likely apply to newer models like the iPhone 13.
So for the best water protection over your iPhone‘s lifespan:
- Use a protective case and screen film.
- Avoid unnecessary water exposure.
- Immediately dry out any moisture that enters the device.
- Have the phone serviced annually to maintain water seals.
With proper care, your iPhone 13 should maintain its high initial level of IP68 water resistance for 2-3 years or longer. But entropy eventually catches up and reduces water protection in any smartphone.
Water Exposure Will Void the iPhone 13 Warranty
It‘s also crucial to note that liquid damage of any kind voids Apple‘s standard 1 year manufacturing warranty on the iPhone 13 series.
This means if your iPhone 13 sustains water damage, Apple is not obligated to repair or replace it for free, even if it is totally non-functional.
The AppleCare+ extended warranty for iPhone can provide up to two lower-cost repairs for water damage. But intentional water exposure may still void coverage – so don‘t go scuba diving without a purpose-built underwater case!
My point is the iPhone 13 warranty does not guarantee or encourage using the phone in pools, showers, etc. even though it has high water resistance. Responsible water protection means avoiding submersion whenever possible, not embracing it.
What Should You Do If Your iPhone 13 Gets Wet?
Despite the iPhone 13‘s water resistance, you should still treat any water exposure seriously. Here are the steps to take if your phone gets wet:
- Immediately power off the phone – don‘t try using a wet iPhone 13!
- Dry the exterior – wipe down the phone with a soft lint-free cloth to absorb surface moisture.
- Shake out any water – vigorously shake the phone to clear out speaker, button, and port water.
- Dry openings individually – use compressed air and q-tips to thoroughly dry the SIM tray, speaker vents, Lightning port, etc.
- Absorb remaining moisture – place phone in a ziplock bag with uncooked rice or silica gel packs for 12-24 hours minimum.
- Do not power on prematurely – wait 48+ hours after complete drying before attempting to use the phone again. This gives time for hidden internal moisture to evaporate.
Ideally, have the phone serviced professionally after serious water exposure. But these steps give you the best chance of reviving an iPhone 13 with light liquid damage yourself. Remember – water and electronics never mix well!
How Much Does iPhone 13 Water Damage Repair Cost?
If your iPhone 13 does suffer permanent water damage, repairs can be pricey:
- Apple Out-of-Warranty Repair – $599+ for screen damage, $399+ for back glass damage, $299+ for other damage
- AppleCare+ Repair – $29 screen damage, $99 back glass damage with deductible
- Third Party Repair – $100-$300+ depending on damage extent
Replacing just the iPhone 13‘s display due to water damage runs $279-$329 from Apple. The phone‘s back glass will cost $149-$199 to replace out of warranty.
Clearly it‘s far more affordable to exercise caution around water than pay hundreds in iPhone 13 water damage repair bills!
Does the iPhone 13‘s Headphone Jack Have Water Protection?
The iPhone 13 series does not actually have a headphone jack. But even the older iPhone models with a 3.5mm audio port did not have water protection for this jack.
Headphone jacks are very difficult to fully seal against water. So wired headphone use always carried some risk of liquid damage on legacy iPhones.
Another reason Apple may have removed the jack entirely starting with the iPhone 7. One less entry point for water to damage your phone!
In Conclusion: Use Caution Around Water With the iPhone 13!
While the iPhone 13 has superb IP68 level water resistance, no phone is a submarine. To get the most trouble-free life from your iPhone 13, be smart:
- Avoid unnecessary water exposure
- Dry out any moisture that enters the phone immediately
- Use a case and screen protector to prevent wear on seals
- Have the phone professionally serviced once a year to maintain water resistance
With proper care, your iPhone 13 can shrug off the occasional splash or brief dunk no problem. But sustained liquid exposure will eventually damage any smartphone. So swim at your own risk!
