Are iPhones resistant to sea water?

ManPerson1 wrote:

What about silica dioxide packets from beef jerky

Silica gel doesn’t alter an iPhone with salt and other mineral deposits within, including the carcasses of aquatic critters.

You do get a mostly-dry iPhone filled with a water-absorbing, corrosive, and conductive materials, though.

Best to avoid dunking any device you can’t afford to replace. And if you can afford to replace it, well, have at.

The iPhone is not waterproof and is not recommended for taking photos underwater. About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later - Apple Support As noted in the link I provided, it says not to intentionally submerge your iPhone in water. Sea water is especially problematic.

With salty water there’s also a corrosion component, not just a water resistance, I didn’t see anything saying it’s resistant to salty water corrosion, it’s barely resistant to a splash in fresh water. So I wouldn’t use my iPhone in the sea water, but it’s your call

About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later - Apple Support

Hello again ~ Not to sound rude but only informative… I know all there is to know about this subject as I am a Dive Master with 40 years of experience. One of my rated specialties is underwater photography. I would not under any circumstances use my iPhone in any depth of water. I have underwater cameras from base models to exceptional ones for photography in and around water. Some good cameras are available now at a decent price point to use snorkeling. You do as you would like as you have been well advised here. If you think I am submerging my iPhone to test this for you…that’s a big “No”Take care.

~Katana-San~

Yes it’s your call if you want to take an iPhone 12 pro max snorkelling in the ocean, I don’t mind go for it. All I can say is IP68 is testing in fresh water under lab conditions which in practical terms means accidental splash in fresh water, and that the warranty doesn’t cover for water damage and salty water corrosion. But feel free to let us know when you’re back

Old wives' tale. Putting your phone in rice is one of the worst things that you could possibly do if the phone gets wet.

Tiny rice particles get into the ports and openings of the phone and expand, clogging things up.

ManPerson1 wrote:

I have an iPhone 12 Pro max

General info:

Water and other liquid damage to iPhone or iPod isn't covered by warranty - Apple Support

About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later - Apple Support

Operative word here is “resistant “, not “proof”.

Per Apple:

Or have at. Do what you want with your iPhone 12. It’s your iPhone 12, after all. Take it swimming. Let us know if it still works. Don’t expect anybody to repair it, should it fail immediately, or should it fail later due to corrosion. Do expect to need to replace it though, so have current backups before the planned dunking, and budget for the replacement iPhone.

Don't do it. The phone is not waterproof. Any water damage will not be covered by the warranty.

You have been given the answer, no one is going to do testing for you. This conversation should be over.

Hello~ As a scuba diver myself I would not use an iPhone underwater. Purchase a camera made for that specific purpose. Housings may or may not work plus you will need additional lighting to get any type of quality images.

~Katana-San~

Yes sure I've never thought that, you know the chats are strange you can get things wrong easily :) the iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated same as the iPhone 15 pro max (Rated IP68 maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes under IEC standard 60529)

Under controlled testing conditions, it meets that water resistance standard. It is not for operating under water. If you read the entire document that I provided, it indicates all the things you should not do.

ManPerson1 wrote:

Alright why does it say it can last for thirty minutes what does that mean can it operate for 30 minutes or can only sit there dead on the seafloor

You’ll want to acquire an underwater housing sized for your iPhone; buy or rent, as available.

Well, i have taken my phone many times in pool and other water bodies, not salty though and after getting water out of speakers, it was in new condition, mine was 14 pro. So i wont say it is only for splash or spill. I have take many underwater pictures but not in depth though. Salt water could cause erosion of protective layer.