How To Use an iPhone for Snorkeling & Waterproof Cases

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Most recent models of iPhone are advertised as water-resistant.

In a popular commercial for the iPhone 12, a messy home cook is seen dropping the phone, splashing it with water, and covering it in all kinds of mess.

You could be forgiven for thinking that it was completely waterproof and capable of snapping pictures underwater, but that’s not quite true.

If you have an iPhone, regardless of the model, make sure you read this guide before you take that expensive gadget snorkeling.

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Can You Use an iPhone When Snorkeling?

The simple answer is no. iPhones are water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you can snorkel or scuba dive with them.

To understand why, there are two things that you need to know.

The first is that “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are two completely different things.

If something is “waterproof”, it means that it is impervious to water whether it’s splashed, poured, or submerged.

If something is “water-resistant”, it can still protect against water, but only to a limited degree.

The second thing concerns the IP code, which was created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to measure an electrical device’s resistance to water and other materials (including sand and dust).

What is the iPhone’s IP Rating?

All iPhone models before the iPhone 7 did not have IP ratings.

They were still water-resistant to a degree and this improved as the models and technology progressed, but there are no guarantees.

As for the later iPhone models, the IP ratings are as follows:

iPhone 7 = IP67
iPhone 7 Plus = IP67
iPhone 8 = IP67
iPhone 8 Plus = IP67
iPhone X = IP67
iPhone XR = IP67
iPhone XS = IP68
iPhone XS Max = IP68
iPhone 11 (all models) = IP68
iPhone 12 (all models) = IP68
iPhone SE = IP67

At a glance, you can probably tell that the later models (IP68) have more water resistance than the earlier ones (IP67), but those numbers won’t mean anything if you don’t know how the rating system works.

Speaking of which…

How the IP Rating System Works

The IP rating system uses two numbers. If we take the iPhone 12 (IP68) as an example, these numbers are the “6” and the “8”.

The first number displays the phone’s level of protection against solids, such as dirt and sand.

It is scored on a scale of 1 to 6 (with 6 being the highest) and the iPhone’s rating suggests that it has complete protection from harmful dust.

The second number references water protection.

This is scored from 1 to 8 (with 8 being the highest) and means that the iPhone 12 is protected against immersion of more than 1 meter.

As for the IP67 models, they are protected for immersion up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

If you’re thinking “great, snorkeling should be less than a meter so I can take my iPhone with me”…think again.

Why You Can’t Take Your iPhone Snorkeling

The IP rating only concerns fresh water. It doesn’t account for salt water, soda, coffee, and other substances.

What’s more, the testing is performed under laboratory conditions and it doesn’t account for the chemicals (natural or otherwise) in the sea, river, or swimming pool.

Apple doesn’t make its phones water-resistant so that you can show off your underwater photography skills.

It’s so that the device doesn’t break down just because of a little perspiration, rain, or because you splashed it while cooking or washing your hands.

Can You Take Underwater Pictures with an iPhone?

As noted above, you shouldn’t take your iPhone underwater.

It is not completely waterproof and there is no guarantee that it will be operational when you emerge.

But while there is no such thing as a waterproof iPhone, there is such a thing as a waterproof iPhone casino.

If you have one of these cases, then you can definitely take your iPhone underwater.

The Best Waterproof Cases for All iPhone Models

If you want to partake in some underwater photography, you’re going to need a waterproof housing case.

To help you in your search, we have listed some of the best waterproof iPhone cases below.

Before you buy a waterproof case, remember to stick with reputable brands and well-reviewed products.

That case is the only thing stopping your phone from meeting a watery end.

Willbox Professional iPhone Waterproof Cases

Check Out Willbox Underwater Phone Cases on Amazon.

We’ve used the Willbox and liked it a lot. It’s easy to put your iPhone in and out of and has a good seal from our experience.

Willbox Professional waterproof cases are designed for most models of iPhone and Samsung and are made with underwater photography in mind.

They come with a very useful lanyard that doubles as a wrist strap and makes it easier to get the picture you want and not lose your phone in the process as it keeps the phone attached to your wrist.

If you want a solid underwater case for about $40, you can’t go wrong with this brand.

Tip: Save the box. You will want to store the Willbox in it when it is not in use. Also, the box is great to use if you want to pack your Willbox for a trip. It will help protect the Willbox from damage during your travels.