One of the most loved features of the Apple Watch is that certain series are waterproof – Apple Watch Series 2 and all the way up to the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 8 all have a 50-meter water resistance capability, meaning that you can use it to track your swimming, take it out in the rain, and more. However, there is some confusion over whether the Apple Watch is wearable in the shower. Read more to find out:
What is the Difference Between Waterproof & Water Resistant?
Often the Apple Watch is labeled as waterproof when it is, in fact, water-resistant. There are significant differences between these two terms, with waterproof watches offering absolute protection from water ingress for a set amount of time.
Water-resistant watches all come with different ratings and different care requirements in order for them to work well in water. The rating system is an indicator of how long and deep in the water the watch can be before it is at risk of damage. The Apple Watch 2 – 8 has an ISO standard rating and is water-resistant to 50m. The Apple Watch Ultra is Military Standard certified and has an Iso rating of 100m.
Apple Watches may be resistant to depths of 50m, but there are some further things you need to consider. This rating is given when the watch is immersed in water for short periods of time, not recommended for prolonged exposure to the water. This means that a regular swim or gentle water-based activity should not be a problem. However, if you are keen to spend longer in the water, then you may want to consider other models.
The Potential Problems with Water and Apple Watches
There are some occasions when using your Apple Watch in water could cause it to lose its water resistance. For example, when you wear it in a sauna or steam room or expose it to soap, perfume, and liquid detergents.
Soaps and other cleaning-based materials cause a build-up within the watch, making the sound output more muffled and quieter. This issue isn’t easily solvable and requires an expert to fix it.
Keeping Your Apple Watch Safe in the Water
If you decide to take your Apple Watch into the water, consider the tools that you have available to keep it safe. Firstly, all Apple Watch models from Series 2- 7 have a water lock that you can switch on. This lock turns off the touch screen capabilities and helps you to avoid unwanted usage when in the water. It also stops water from getting into your device so that you can keep it in the best condition.
Pushing the water out by turning the Digital Crown
Unfortunately, water can still get into your speakers when you are in the water, but Apple has a handy solution for this too. Once you finish swimming, you can turn your water lock off by turning the digital crown. You will hear a number of beeps that get louder. The reason is, they are working to push out the water. Your Watch will even tell you to turn the crown if necessary until the water is out.
The great thing about Apple Watch is that it can detect the activity you are doing and respond to that. When it recognizes that you are swimming, it will automatically log your exercise minutes and switch on your water lock.
Remember that if you have an Apple Watch older than a Series 2, it is not water-resistant. In fact, they can’t handle even the smallest amount of water, which is a problem when you’re in the rain.
When Will the Apple Watch Rating Improve?
Many Apple Watch users are keen to see an improvement in water resistance. With the release of the new Series 8, Apple has set the Water resistant level to 5ATMs (50 Meters). This is perfect for swimming, surfing, showering and so. The Ultra is designed for 10ATMs (100 meters). This is for deeper diving.
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Product | Supplier | |
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Apple Watch 7 | Amazon | Check Price |
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Watch Ultra | Amazon | Check Price |
Apple Watch 7 | Apple | View offer |
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Apple Watch SE 2 | Amazon | View offer |
This means if you want to undertake any other special water-based activities, you are better off taking the watch off. In the future, we hope to see Apple improve its water resistance levels, but there are other pressing issues such as battery life.
Can I Wear My Apple Watch in the Shower?
While you won’t notice immediate damage to your Apple Watch, wearing it in the shower does pose some risks. Your toiletries offer a potential damage risk because soap, perfumes, and detergents cause device damage. So, wearing your watch in the shower means that you are causing ongoing damage to your device.
If you have any concerns about your Apple Watch after water damage, make sure you seek advice from an Apple-approved technician.
However, if you accidentally wear your watch in the shower every now and again, you won’t notice any change, especially with the water lock feature. Our advice? If you can safely remove your watch when you are in the shower, then do so – an Apple device is a significant investment, and showering with it is not worth risking the integrity of your watch.
See the latest Apple Watch deals or check out prices on Amazon or eBay directly. Find out how the Apple Watch 7 compares to the Apple Watch 6.
Wearing the Apple Watch while riding your bike, can also expose it to rain and water. So far- so good. No water damage.
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Last Updated on May 4, 2023
A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end and diverse multinational clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about and implementing technology. Scott manages the creation of content for us as a freelancer service and even though he is based in the UK, his writers can adapt and cater to our audience which is mostly US based.
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