The Apple Watch can live in the water, but at what depth, and for how long?
From the very first Apple Watch to the most recent Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2, Apple’s smartwatches have provided some protection against water.
However, this doesn’t mean Apple defines the Apple Watch as waterproof. Instead, like most in the industry, the brand describes its Watches as water resistant.
‘Water resistance’ typically means protection against water for a certain amount of time and in certain conditions. Technically, something ‘waterproof’ should mean it’s impenetrable by water.
If you’re unsure just how protected your Apple Watch model is, and what kind of water-based activities it can handle, this is the guide for you. Over the last decade, we’ve tested every version in the water to confirm Apple’s claims. Let’s dive in.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the brand’s current smartwatch for everyone. It features two size options and offers the largest screen available on any Series device ever released. Each Series 10 model maintains water resistance and can withstand depths of up to 50 meters.
That resistance makes the Series 10 suitable for being submerged in water up to 50 meters deep. Apple states that this smartwatch is best designed for shallow water activities like snorkeling and swimming (pool and open water).
You shouldn’t use the Series 10 for water-based activities where the watch is exposed to high-pressure environments. You can’t scuba dive with it, nor should you use it for water sports like water skiing.
Apple also reiterates that water protection isn’t permanent and diminishes over time, though it doesn’t specify a lifespan for that protection.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 waterproof?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra, are Apple’s largest and most rugged smartwatches, designed for endurance athletes and adventurers. With this in mind, Apple has enhanced the Ultra’s water resistance level beyond what is offered on the Series 10.
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 have a water resistance rating that allows them to be submerged in water up to a depth of 100 meters, making them suitable for activities like swimming, showering, and water skiing.
You can use them for pool and open water swims, and of course, you can keep them on in the shower. However, you shouldn’t use them for activities involving high-velocity water.
Furthermore, the Ultra watches are suitable for recreational diving at depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet). This is because the Ultra series carries an EN13319 certification, which is the international depth gauge standard for dive computers.
Is the Apple Watch SE waterproof?
The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s most affordable smartwatch and offers the same level of water resistance as the Watch Series 10.
This provides a water resistance rating that makes it suitable for use in water up to a depth of 50 meters, covering both pool and ocean use.
Like the Series 10, it is designed for shallow water-based activities, including pool and open water swims and snorkelling.
This is not an Apple Watch that can be used for any kind of recreational diving, so deep-sea submersion is out of the question. Any activities that involve high-velocity water are also off-limits.
Are older Apple Watches like the Watch Series 6 waterproof?
What protection can you expect if you’re not wearing one of the newest Apple Watches? Here’s how the rest of the Apple Watch series models stack up:
Apple Watch and Apple Watch Series 1:
If you still have one of the first-generation Apple Watches or the Apple Watch Series 1 (launched in 2016), those Apple smartwatches feature an IPX7-rated design. This means they offer a level of water resistance that makes them suitable for being splashed with water and allows use in the rain or snow. These Apple Watches are not designed for submersion in water.
Apple Watch Series 2 or later:
After the original Apple Watch and Apple Watch Series 1, the Series 2 through the latest Series 10 offer the same water resistance rating, allowing them to be submerged in water up to a depth of 50 meters. These watches are suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other shallow-water activities. However, diving with these watches is not recommended.
