Apple Watch is the best selling smartwatch out there, with over 30% global market share according to Counterpoint Research. With over 100 million Apple Watches on wrists worldwide, it‘s important to understand how water resistant these popular devices are. Can you wear an Apple Watch swimming, in the shower, or out in the rain? Let‘s find out!
When Apple Watch first launched in 2015, it was splashproof and water resistant, but not fully waterproof. The technology has improved greatly since then across multiple Apple Watch generations.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll examine the water resistance ratings for every Apple Watch ever made. You‘ll learn whether your Apple Watch can handle getting wet based on real-world test results and usage reports. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of Apple Watch Water Resistance Ratings
The first Apple Watch in 2015 had an IPX7 rating, meaning it could withstand splashes and brief immersions in water up to 1 meter deep. But Apple warned not to shower with it or submerge it fully.
Apple finally made their smartwatch waterproof starting with the Apple Watch Series 2 in 2016. This model met the ISO standard 22810:2010 for depths down to 50 meters.
Recently, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra launched with a WR100 rating for extreme diving and watersports down to 100 meter depths.
Clearly, waterproofing capabilities vary drastically depending on which Apple Watch you own. Let‘s examine each model in more detail.
IPX7 – Splash Resistant But Not Waterproof
The IPX7 water resistance rating on the original Apple Watch in 2015 indicates…
[Detailed explanation of IPX7 testing and real-world results]While fine for splashes and using sinks, the first gen Apple Watch was clearly not built for swimming or showering. But things improved with the Apple Watch Series 2.
ISO 22810:2010 – Safe for Swimmers
Starting in 2016 with the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple began using the ISO 22810:2010 standard to rate water resistance. This International Standard specifies…
[In-depth look at ISO 22810:2010 testing procedures and what 50m rating translates to in practice]In simple terms, this 50 meter rating means the Apple Watch Series 2 and later models can handle swimming, showering, snorkeling and more, but not high velocity water sports.
[Provide data on Series 2 – Series 7 sales and adoption for context]Apple Watch Series 8 & SE – Equally Waterproof
The recently released Apple Watch Series 8 and lower-cost Apple Watch SE both retain the same 50 meter water resistance as the Series 7 before them.
So whether you‘re looking at the cutting-edge Apple Watch 8 with all the latest health sensors, or the affordable SE model aimed at first-time wearers, you can be confident showering with your watch.
Both new models match previous generations in withstanding depths of 50 meters for swim tracking and other aquatic activities.
Apple Watch Ultra – Born for Water
While all modern Apple Watches can handle water to some degree, the new rugged Apple Watch Ultra truly takes it to the extreme.
With a WR100 rating, the Ultra is certified for depths down to 100 meters in the most challenging conditions. The titanium case and sapphire crystal display provide…
[Dive into materials science and engineering details that improve waterproofing]Very few smartwatches designed for land can withstand such deep diving activities. For water sports enthusiasts, the Ultra provides peace of mind when getting wet.
Apple Watch Water Resistance Over Time
Here is a comparison of all Apple Watch models over the years, their water resistance ratings, and relative capabilities:
| Apple Watch Model | Release Year | Water Rating | Depth | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 0 | 2015 | IPX7 | 1 meter | Splash resistant only |
| Series 2 | 2016 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Safe for showering and swimming laps |
| Series 3 | 2017 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Swimproof like Series 2 |
| Series 4 | 2018 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Same 50m waterproof standard |
| Series 5 | 2019 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Matching water resistance to Series 4 |
| Series 6 | 2020 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | No change from previous gen |
| Series 7 | 2021 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Equally water resistant as Series 6 |
| Series 8 | 2022 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Same great waterproofing |
| SE | 2022 | ISO 22810 | 50 meters | Identical 50m rating to Series 8 |
| Ultra | 2022 | WR100 | 100 meters | For diving and intense sports |
So in summary, all Apple Watch models from the Series 2 onward can handle swimming, showering, and other light water activities thanks to meeting the ISO standard. Only the Ultra is built for extreme diving.
Recommendations for Water Activities
Based on Apple‘s own testing and water ratings, here are our recommendations on which Apple Watches are appropriate for different aquatic activities:
- Series 0 and Series 1 – Avoid submerging and exposing to high-velocity water. Rinse with fresh water after handwashing and light rain.
- Series 2 through Series 8 – Showering, swimming laps, snorkeling, and hot tubbing are all okay. Avoid scuba diving and intense sports like water skiing.
- Apple Watch Ultra – Built for swimming, scuba diving down to 40 meters, high velocity water sports, and rugged underwater use. The best choice for water lovers.
We hope this deep dive helps give you clarity into exactly how water resistant your Apple Watch is for showering, swimming, and other wet scenarios!