Waterproof is one of those words that can be interpreted in many different ways. Is it splash-resistant, or can you actually go swimming with it? Does it need to be kept away from water or can you get it wet occasionally? Are there any restrictions on how much water it can handle? These are just some of the questions that people ask about wearable technology, and Apple’s new wearable computer is no exception. The release of the Apple Watch generated a lot of buzz among both tech lovers and skeptics. This is partly because most people didn’t know what to expect from a device so small and packed with so many features. Some consumers were also concerned about its ability to withstand moisture and other elements as a result of being a “connected” device. Read on for more details…
Is Apple Watch Waterproof?
No, the Apple Watch is not waterproof.Apple rates the Apple Watch’s water resistance at IPX7, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, this rating does not mean the watch is waterproof or suitable for swimming or diving.
Why Is not Apple Watch Waterproof?
1. The Apple Watch Is A Wearable Device
The Apple Watch does not have a built-in water-resistance rating because it is not technically a watch. The Apple Watch is more of an electronic device than a traditional watch that you wear on your wrist. Therefore, the water resistance rating should be considered when looking at the overall water protection of this device.
2. It’s Not Designed To Be Waterproof
The Apple Watch was designed to be worn as an accessory to your iPhone, and therefore as expected it doesn’t have all the same features as a traditional watch. For example, the main benefit of having a waterproof watch is that you can go swimming with it without having to worry about damaging it or ruining its looks. However, this is not possible with an Apple Watch because it doesn’t have the same kind of casing or case design as other traditional watches and therefore cannot withstand being submerged in water for long periods of time.
3. It’s Not Designed For Swimming
The Apple Watch was designed to be worn as an accessory to your iPhone and therefore as expected it doesn’t have all the same features as a traditional watch. For example, the main benefit of having a waterproof watch is that you can go swimming with it without having to worry about damaging it or ruining its looks. However, this is not possible with an Apple Watch because it doesn’t have the same kind of casing or case design as other traditional watches and therefore cannot withstand being submerged in water for long periods of time.
How to Avoid Water Damage on Your Apple Watch
1. Don’t Use Your Watch As A Shower Timer
One of the most common reasons people damage their watches is by using them as timers. Whether you’re timing a sports game or just trying to remember when your food will be done in the kitchen, it’s tempting to use your watch. However, it’s an almost guaranteed way to damage your watch and shorten its lifespan. If you are in a situation where you need to use your watch as a timer, be extra careful not to let water get inside. This can happen if you are in a shower and you’re not careful about keeping it above water level. If this happens, immediately remove your watch and dry it with a dry cloth. If a lot of water gets inside and you are not able to dry it out, it might be better to just buy a new watch instead of trying to fix it.
2. Don’t Even Try To Answer Calls While In The Shower
All the water in the world can’t get inside your watch if the microphone is underwater. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the other end of the communication channel. If you’re in a situation where you absolutely must use your watch to make or receive calls, at least make sure you’re not in the shower. If you must make a call while in the shower, avoid getting any water near the microphone. It’s better to let the call go to voicemail than to attempt to talk while in the shower. Although the water won’t be able to get inside the watch, it will be able to get near the microphone. This can cause damage to the mic and prevent it from working properly in the future.
3. Make Sure The Band Is Properly Sealed
When it comes to watches, the band is usually the most important part of keeping water out. This is why the makers of Apple Watches recommend that you test your watch in a pool or a sink full of water before you attempt to wear it in the ocean. While in the shower, it might be tempting to just leave the band on your watch. While this is okay for the most part, you should make sure the band is fully sealed. This means that the holes on the inside of the band should be properly closed off so that no water can get inside the watch. If you don’t do this correctly, water might be able to get inside the watch. You can test this by putting your finger over the holes and putting the watch underwater. If no water gets inside, you’re good to go.
4. Before Every Use, Fully Dry Your Band
This might sound like common sense, but it’s easy for people to forget to do this. It’s better to be safe than sorry, though. To ensure that water doesn’t stay trapped inside your band, you should be sure to thoroughly dry it after every use. If the band is wet and you put it on your wrist, the water will stay trapped inside the band. This can cause bacteria to grow and can lead to some nasty odors. It’s better to just thoroughly dry it off and avoid this. You can make this easier by putting the band in a dry paper towel or a clean cloth.
5. Don’t Leave It On A Drying Rack For Too Long
Some people might put their watch on a drying rack after they take it off while they are still in the shower. However, doing this for too long can cause the band to become warped and misshapen. If you’re going to put your watch on a drying rack, make sure you do so for only a few minutes. After a few minutes, take it off the drying rack and put it on a clean cloth or paper towel to dry.
6. Buy An Ionizing Water-Resistant Case
If you’re someone who absolutely cannot live without your watch, you might have to go a bit extreme and get a water-resistant case for your Apple Watch. These cases will surround your watch with a thick plastic that keeps water out. This can be a good option for people who go swimming with their watch or who participate in other activities that might involve water. You’ll have to clean out the inside of the case from time to time, though. This is because the case will trap the sweat and bacteria from your wrist.
7. Or Just Buy A New Watch; They’re Not That Expensive!
If you’ve tried all of these tips and you still can’t keep your watch dry, you might just have to bite the bullet and get a new one. Fortunately, Apple Watches don’t cost that much, especially when compared to other smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Fitbit Versa. If you’re worried about damaging your watch, it might be worth it to just get a new one. They aren’t that expensive, and you can use the old one as a backup or just give it to another family member or friend.
Final Words
The short answer to whether you should go swimming with your Apple Watch is no. The watch is water-resistant, but not waterproof, so you should avoid prolonged exposure to water as this could cause damage. While many people will be happy keeping their watch out of the water, others may be interested in getting a model designed for swimming. The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is splash-resistant, which means that it can be used to track swimming, but it cannot be immersed in water. If you are interested in the swimming functionality of the Apple Watch, make sure that you get the model with the “GPS + Cellular” label. This is the only model that is splash-resistant, so you can go swimming with it.
