Tech

Apple: Your iPhone 7 may be water-resistant, but try not to get it wet

Apple really doesn't want you to push the limits on the iPhone 7's water-resistance feature, so much so that it advises against getting it deliberately wet.

Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor Sept. 27, 2016 at 4:59 a.m. PT

Your iPhone 7 may be water-resistant, but try not to get it wet
Apple

When Apple unveiled that the iPhone 7 would be water-resistant, people's imaginations began to run wild, and they imagined a device that was totally impervious to water.

The reality is that the device's water resistance is little more than an insurance policy against accidental water damage.

In an attempt to clarify things, Apple has published guidance about this new feature, and new owners would do well to familiarize themselves with this information before taking their phones on undersea adventures.

Let's take a look at the guidance.

Apple iPhone 7 water resistance guidance

First off, note that Apple calls the iPhone 7 water-resistant, not waterproof. There is a big difference.

Note the word "accidentally" there. Apple is not recommending owners deliberately expose their iPhones to water.

A lot going on here:

Reference to "controlled laboratory conditions," so your real-world experiences may vary.
Apple offers up a scientific definition for the water resistance.
Points out that the water resistance might decrease with usage.
If water damages your iPhone, you're on your own (although AppleCare+ does cover water damage)

Now we have a whole list of don'ts (note how Apple specifically discourages deliberately submerging the iPhone), including stuff you shouldn't get in contact with your iPhone 7, such as insect repellent and hair dye.

Now we come to all the aftercare you have to do after your iPhone 7 gets wet. Apple expects you to have cloths and fans to hand.

If your Lightning port gets water in it, no charging your iPhone for at least five hours.