Ever since the Apple Watch was originally introduced in the fall of 2014, people have seen it as the only real smartwatch option. Of course, there are many different types and brands of smartwatches available, but not to die-hard fans of Apple products. Over the last 8 years, the Apple Watch has gained a ton of useful features designed to make it do more and last longer per charge.
The Apple Watch Series 4 is waterproof. A big plus with the series 4 Apple Watch is the IPX7 rating which is a fancy way of saying it can be submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes.
Therefore, while not completely waterproof, it will prove to be resistant enough for the majority of the population to use around water and their daily activities with no issues. To learn a little bit more about the Apple Watch and what it can handle, continue below!
Has the Apple Watch Always Had Water Resistance?
Apple Watch has always had some level of water resistance. But like every Apple device, it has gotten better over time.
The first generation watch from 2015 was splash resistant, but it was definitely not recommended to take a dip with the device. It did carry the same IPX7 rating that the newer devices have, but it lacked the 50-meter ability that came standard on series 2 and beyond.
The designations can get a little confusing to people just learning about all of them, but the Apple support page is great at saying which devices can handle water. The page also gives a ton of information regarding anything else the watch can handle and should really be referenced for any questions the owner may have. They will be briefly mentioned later here, as well.
Will My Apple Watch Always Be Water Resistant?
Unfortunately, Apple Watch won’t always be water resistant. Just like any other product, the material does tend to degrade over time. The small gaskets and seals can break down following drops or exposure to chemicals or even too much water.
Another thing to think about regarding material breakdown is the fact that you cannot check. Once a device has been compromised, you really are never sure if that water resistance is still there.
Basically, you just have to be mindful of the limitations of your device and remember that nothing lasts forever!
My Apple Watch Got Wet. What Do I Do?
Forgot you had on your Apple Watch and jumped in the pool or took a shower without taking your watch off? Don’t worry!
Apple Watch is designed to handle a little water, as stated previously. But there are a few things you should do to dry it off and keep it lasting as long as possible. Dry using a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe off excess water to avoid abrasions or scratches.
The use of heat or compressed air is not a good idea since it can damage the materials that are designed to keep the water out.
If your watch got wet from either swimming or a workout, rinse it clean using just a little bit of warm water and dry it thoroughly. Again, use a soft, dry cloth and avoid shaking it to dry. Shaking could cause internal components to become loose and stop working well.
If the water has gotten to the point of getting into your speaker, Apple has an easy fix for that. Swipe up from the main screen on your watch and find the ‘Water Lock’ within the ‘Control Center.’ Now, you just have to turn your crown a few times to manually expel the water from within the speaker.
What Should I Avoid with My Apple Watch?
Many of the following activities may be seen as something you obviously would not do while wearing your Apple Watch, but since they are listed on Apple’s website, someone has at some point.
Major impacts should be avoided, as said before, to prevent anything from coming loose within the watch. Soapy water is also not recommended since it could break down the materials.
Now for the more obviously bad things to expose your watch to. Any chemical, including lotions, bug repellents, detergents, or oils, can cause major damage to the watch and all the components. Strong streams of water can also cause major damage to the gaskets that are designed to keep water out.
The absolute biggest activity to avoid is anything involving steam or saunas. The excessive heat will damage the gaskets in the watch. Once that protection is gone, water can get inside the device, causing not only damage to the internal components but also condensation underneath the screen that will never come out.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch has become the industry standard for smartwatches despite all of the other offerings that have come out in the last few years. The constant addition of new features and refinements to existing features make it hard to beat. Also, since every Apple Watch since the series 2 version is able to handle water well, it is a great choice for most people.