Are the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Waterproof?

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are water-resistant, not waterproof. Apple rates both phones IP68 under IEC standard 60529, based on controlled lab tests to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Water damage at the beach, by the pool, or while traveling is a common worry, and the rating alone doesn't tell you what's safe. Below, we explain what IP68 means, what Apple says to avoid, and what to do if your phone gets wet.

What Is the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Water-Resistance Rating?

Both models share the same official rating. Apple's iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications list the Pro and Pro Max together under one line: IP68, with a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529.

The table below sums up Apple's official spec for both sizes.

These figures describe lab results, not a promise for real-world use. Apple's guide to splash, water, and dust resistance never calls its iPhones waterproof. It only uses the phrase "splash, water, and dust resistant."

What Does IP68 Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a rating system set out in the international standard IEC 60529. The first digit, 6, means the phone is dust-tight, the highest level of protection against solid particles in the standard. The second digit, 8, means it resists continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, at a depth and time the manufacturer sets. Apple sets 6 meters for 30 minutes.

The lab test uses still, fresh water. It doesn't cover water jets, waves, saltwater, chlorine, soap, steam, or a phone that has been dropped or has aged. That gap is why IP68 doesn't mean waterproof.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max More Water-Resistant Than the iPhone 18 Pro?

No, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is not more water-resistant than the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple gives both sizes the same IP68 rating and the same 6-meter, 30-minute limit. The larger Pro Max has no extra water protection, so choose between them for other reasons, such as screen size.

How Deep Can the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Go Underwater?

Apple's rating covers a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes in a controlled lab. That's a test limit, not a safe diving depth. Apple's support guide lists intentionally submerging your iPhone as something to avoid, so the rating helps the phone survive accidents rather than planned dives.

Can You Swim With the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max?

No, you can't swim with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Apple's support guide lists swimming and bathing with your iPhone among the things to avoid, even on IP68 models. Swimming also adds moving water and repeated pressure, which the lab test doesn't cover. Leave the phone in a dry bag or on a towel while you're in the water.

Can You Shower With the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max?

We don't recommend showering with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Apple names showering as an example of pressurized or high-velocity water, which it says to avoid. Showers also create steam, and Apple warns against using an iPhone in a sauna, a steam room, or extremely humid conditions. Soap and shampoo add one more risk, since Apple asks you to limit the phone's contact with soap and detergent.

Can You Use the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max in a Pool?

The IP68 rating isn't permission to take the phone into the pool. Swimming is on Apple's avoid list, and chlorinated pool water differs from the fresh water used in lab tests. Pool days also bring sunscreen, lotions, and insect repellent, which Apple says to keep off the phone where you can.

A splash at the poolside is a much smaller risk than taking the phone into the water. If it does get wet, dry it using the steps further down.

Can You Take the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max Into the Ocean?

It's not recommended to take the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max into the ocean. Saltwater isn't the still, fresh water used in IP68 tests, and Apple lists surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing as examples of high-velocity water to avoid. Waves add force that the rating doesn't account for.

If seawater reaches your phone, rinse the affected area with tap water, then wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth. After that, follow the drying steps in the section on what to do if your iPhone 18 Pro gets wet.

Can You Take Underwater Photos With the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max?

The 6-meter rating doesn't turn either phone into an underwater camera. Apple tells you to avoid intentional submersion, and underwater photos need exactly that. If you want shots below the surface, use a purpose-built waterproof housing or pouch made for your activity. Even then, Apple's warranty won't cover liquid damage to the phone.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro Resistant to Spills and Rain?

Yes, and this is where water resistance helps most. Apple's guidance for its IP68 iPhones says they resist accidental spills from common liquids such as soda, beer, coffee, tea, and juice. Apple's July 2026 list names models up to the iPhone 17, but the iPhone 18 Pro carries the same IP68 rating.

Light rain and everyday splashes count as normal use. How well a phone copes depends on its condition, since resistance drops over time. If a sugary drink splashes the phone, rinse the area with tap water and wipe it dry.

Does iPhone 18 Pro Water Resistance Wear Off Over Time?

Yes. Apple states that splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and may decrease through normal wear. These are the main factors:

• Normal wear: Daily use gradually affects how well the phone keeps water out.
• Drops and impacts: Apple lists dropping the phone as something to avoid, because impacts can weaken its resistance.
• Physical damage: Dents, cracks, or a bent frame can leave gaps where water gets in.
• Disassembly: Apple warns against taking the phone apart, including removing screws.
• Aging components: Seals and other parts age over the years, even with careful use.

Does Apple's Warranty Cover Water Damage?

No. Apple says liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The IP68 rating describes lab test results, and it isn't a promise that Apple will repair a phone that gets wet.

You may still have rights under local consumer law, which Apple outlines on its consumer law and statutory rights page. Check the rules for your country if water damage happens.

What to Do If Your iPhone 18 Pro Gets Wet

Act quickly and stick to Apple's official steps rather than home remedies. Apple's support guide recommends the following:

1. Unplug everything: Remove all cables and accessories right away.
2. Don't charge it: Wait until the phone is completely dry before you charge it.
3. Rinse other liquids: If it's anything other than plain water, rinse the affected area with tap water. Then wipe the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth.
4. Tap out water: Gently tap the phone against your hand with the USB-C connector facing down.
5. Let air dry it: Leave the phone in a dry spot with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air directly into the USB-C connector may help.
6. Skip heat and swabs: Don't use an external heat source, and don't push cotton swabs or paper towels into the connector.
7. Wait 5 hours: Wait at least 5 hours before you charge with a USB-C cable or connect an accessory.

What Does the Liquid Detection Alert Mean?

The alert means your iPhone has detected liquid in the USB-C connector. Apple says iPhone XS and later models can show this warning when you connect a cable or accessory. Unplug right away and let the phone dry before you charge by cable, because Apple warns that charging when wet might damage your iPhone.

Can You Wirelessly Charge a Wet iPhone?

Only after it's dry. Apple says to wipe the iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth and make sure it's dry before you place it on a compatible wireless charger. If the phone was in a case, take it off and dry both first.

How to Protect Your iPhone 18 Pro From Water Damage

Apple's precautions turn into a few simple habits:

• Keep it out of wet spaces: Leave the phone out of the pool, shower, bath, sauna, and steam room.
• Skip water sports: Don't take it surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, or water skiing.
• Don't submerge it: Avoid dunking it on purpose, even for a quick photo.
• Watch for chemicals: Keep sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent, perfume, and solvents off the phone where you can.
• Reduce drops: Use a protective case, since drops and impacts can weaken water resistance.
• Dry it properly: Follow Apple's drying steps after any accident, and never charge a wet phone.

Can a Phone Case Make the iPhone 18 Pro More Water-Resistant?

A regular case doesn't add water resistance, and Apple makes no claim that it does. What a good case can do is lower the chance of drop damage, and drops are one of the things Apple says reduce water resistance over time.

At Ghostek, we make iPhone 18 Pro cases and iPhone 18 Pro Max cases in slim clear and rugged styles, including the aluminum-framed ATOMIC Slim case for the iPhone 18 Pro. Drop protection varies by case, so check the product page for your exact model. If you plan to use your phone in or around water on purpose, choose a dedicated waterproof case or pouch instead.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro More Water-Resistant Than the iPhone 17 Pro?

No. Apple rates both the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro at IP68, with a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. Apple's support guide shows the same 6-meter rating for every model from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 17, and the iPhone 18 Pro keeps it. Upgrading won't get you better water protection on paper.

So, Is the iPhone 18 Waterproof?

No. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are IP68 water-resistant, which suits spills, rain, and accidental drops into water, but not swimming, showering, or underwater photos. Treat the 6-meter rating as a safety margin for accidents, not a feature to use. Keep a case on to reduce drops, dry the phone the way Apple recommends, and never charge it while wet.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Water Resistance FAQs

Still wondering if the iPhone 18 is waterproof in everyday situations? Here are quick answers to common follow-up questions.

Can rain damage the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max?

Normal rain falls within the splash resistance Apple describes. Long, heavy exposure isn't recommended, especially on an older or damaged phone.

Can the iPhone 18 Pro survive being dropped in water?

A quick fall into fresh water is within the conditions of its lab rating, but survival isn't guaranteed. Pick it up fast and follow Apple's drying steps above.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro resistant to coffee, soda, and other liquids?

Yes, for accidental spills. Rinse sticky drinks off with tap water and wipe the phone dry, since Apple also asks you to limit contact with acids and acidic foods.

Does dropping an iPhone affect its water resistance?

It can. Apple lists drops and impacts among the things that reduce water resistance, so take extra care around water with a phone that has had a hard fall.

Does a cracked screen affect iPhone water resistance?

Most likely, yes. Apple doesn't address cracks directly, but a crack is physical damage that can open a path for water, so treat a cracked phone as no longer water-resistant.

Are the USB-C port and speakers water-resistant?

They're part of the IP68-rated phone, but water can still sit inside the port and speaker openings after exposure. Never charge through a wet USB-C port.

Can water damage the iPhone 18 Pro speakers?

Apple says water in the opening may muffle the speaker or microphone until it evaporates. Place the phone speaker-side down on a lint-free cloth to help the water drain out.

How do you know if an iPhone 18 Pro has water damage?

Watch for liquid detection alerts that keep returning after the phone has dried, muffled audio that doesn't recover, or charging problems. If you notice any of these, contact Apple Support.

Does repairing an iPhone affect its water resistance?

It can. Apple warns against disassembling the iPhone, including removing screws, so use Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repairs.

Do you need a waterproof case for the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max?

Only if you plan to use the phone in or around water on purpose, such as at the beach or on a boat. For everyday life, a regular protective case and careful drying habits usually cover your needs.