The iPhone 7 is Apple’s first water-resistant iPhone. But just how water-proof is the iPhone 7? Apple rates the iPhone 7 as IP67, which means it can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. That does not make the iPhone 7 an underwater camera. I took my iPhone 7 Plus under water regardless.
iPhone 7 water-resistance test
The amazing progress both Isabella and Lucas have made at SwimKids of Georgia is already subject to various videos, but I couldn’t resist producing another one.
This time, I wanted to take the iPhone 7 Plus under water, something I used to do only with my GoPro. In the video below Isabella shows off her newest swimming skills and at 1 minute and 20 seconds, we take the iPhone fully underwater.
How the iPhone 7 performs underwater
The iPhone 7 performs incredibly well underwater as far as photo and video quality are concerned. But you should be aware of some gotchas.
Touch screen sensitivity
The capacitative touchscreen of the iPhone becomes almost unusable underwater.
How to take photos underwater
To take a picture, activate the timer and set it to 3 or 10 seconds. That way, you can press the shutter before submerging the iPhone.
How to take videos underwater
It’s easier with videos because you can start recording above water and then only trim the clip afterward. But even above water, make sure the recording started before going underwater. With my wet fingers, the record button didn’t react a couple of times, and I only noticed after the fact. Also be aware that contact with water sometimes actuates the touch screen. I have had a video zoom in twice by itself during a recording.
How water-proof is the iPhone 7?
Apple is pretty clear on how they define water- and dust resistance.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
If you feel the need to submerge your iPhone 7 underwater purposefully, then do it at your own risk! If nothing else, let the iPhone completely dry before charging it. See the iPhone user manual for more information. If you rather not submerge your brand-new iPhone 7, I would recommend buying a GoPro!
I’m a healthy living and technology enthusiast.
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I didn’t know that the iPhone had an ounce of water resistance, so when I forgot my phone in my pocket and went in the pool. I was scared to death that I had drowned my phone when I realized it was there, but was relieved that it wasn’t. It probably wasn’t submerged for longer than a minute.
I tyres to take photos under water and iPhone have said I have damaged my phone
Hi Mark! I am not sure what you are trying to say. Did you iPhone get damaged when you submerged it? What model was it?
PS: I did mention in my article: “…That does not make the iPhone 7 an underwater camera.” and “…If you feel the need to submerge your iPhone 7 under water purposefully, then do it at your own risk!”