We already know that Apple is a very innovative developer, a fact that is proven with every new product. Of course, the watches are not an exception, so every new generation comes with many improvements, new features, and better sensors.
So far, Apple has managed to deliver watches with fantastic designs, comfortable straps, advanced software, and top-notch health and activity trackers. However, even though they are water-resistant, they are not waterproof.
So, can you swim with Apple Watch? Let’s find out more about Apple’s water resistance and whether it’s safe to use the watch for water activities.
Can You Swim With Apple Watch?
If you’re interested in shallow-water activities, such as swimming in the ocean or pool, you have to purchase Apple Watch Series 2 or higher. For recreational scuba diving up to 130 feet, you’ll need Apple Watch Ultra, as this model has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO 22810:2010.
It’s very important to remember that Apple Watches are not waterproof. Moreover, the water resistance is not permanent. Not only can it reduce over time, but there are also activities that may add to diminishing its function.
To better explain the watches’ water resistance, we’ll check the criteria set up by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Additionally, we’ll share some simple instructions on how to dry your Apple Watch and which activities to avoid to keep this resistance functioning as long as possible.
Apple’s ISO and IEC water-resistance standards
Being water-resistant with a rating of 50 meters deep sounds fantastic, especially for pool swimmers, because average pools are around 2.44 meters deep. However, this is not a literal resistance of up to 50 meters!
You have to understand that this rating depends on multiple factors. Thus, it’s not all about how deep you can go while swimming. The atmospheric pressure has a crucial significance too. This means that the deeper you dive, the higher the pressure is, increasing approximately one ATM per 10 meters.
Another important factor that influences resistance is the way you swim because the moves you make will impact the pressure on your watch.
That being said, a water-resistance rating of 50 meters is not very high. You can wear the watch while exercising, walking in the rain, or washing your hands. You can also swim, as long as you don’t submerge the watch below shallow depth.
On the other hand, Apple Watch Ultra is compliant with EN13319 and has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO 2281:2010 first edition standard. This means that the model is suitable for scuba diving up to 40 meters.
Read more: How to Eject Water From Apple Watch
What affects and diminishes Apple’s water resistance?
As we said previously, Apple Watches are water-resistant, but this condition is not permanent. It can diminish over time as a result of multiple activities.
To keep the water resistance for as long as possible, you should avoid the following activities:
- Avoid dropping your Apple Watch as much as you can
- Avoid soaps, shampoos, or soapy water near your watch
- Don’t expose your Apple Watch to solvents, acids, and detergents
- Don’t expose your Apple Watch to perfume, lotions, sunscreen, hair dye, or oil
- Don’t wear your Apple Watch in a sauna, steam room, or to any place with a temperature over 130°F
- Don’t wear your Apple Watch during high diving or cliff diving
However, as much as we wish to keep our watches safe and avoid all dangers, there’s always a chance that some of the situations mentioned above will occur, especially contact between the watch and soapy water.
In cases where lotions, soaps, conditioners, acids, detergents, etc., accidentally get in touch with your Apple Watch, you should clean it with fresh warm water and dry it with a non-abrasive cloth. We also recommend you clean your watch and band after intense workouts.
Can you swim with Apple Watch without turning it off?
You can swim while wearing your Apple Watch without turning it off manually. Before you get in the water, you should start a swimming workout from your Apple Watch or through the app on your iPhone. This way, the watch will automatically lock the screen with Water Lock.
This feature applies to Apple Watch Series 2 and above. If you are wearing an Apple Watch Ultra, the Water Lock feature will automatically turn on when you submerge the watch to a depth of 10cm or more without starting the workout.
Read more: Why Is My Apple Watch Dying So Fast?
How to dry your Apple Watch after swimming
There’s a general rule on drying an Apple Watch after it gets wet – you should remove the water by wiping the watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Moreover, you should never use compressed air, heat, or spray for drying.
Clean your Apple Watch
According to the company, you should not use abrasive materials, heat sources, soaps, and cleaning products. If you want to clean your watch, follow these steps:
- Turn off the watch and remove the charger.
- If you’re using a leather band, you should remove it from the watch.
- Wipe the watch with a clean and non-abrasive cloth.
- If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water.
- If there is visible debris, hold the watch under warm fresh water.
- Dry the watch with a non-abrasive cloth thoroughly.
Clean the Digital Crown
If you notice debris or the Digital Crown gets stuck, clean the Crown by following these steps:
- Turn off the watch and remove the charger.
- Hold the under warm freshwater, focusing on the Digital Crown.
- Turn and press the Digital Crown while cleaning it.
- Dry the watch, the Digital Crown, and the space between the Crown and the watch case thoroughly.
Read more: What Is the Water Drop on Apple Watch?
Conclusion
Can you swim with Apple Watch? Well, this should not be a question you worry about anymore since now you know the answer.
It’s crucial to remember Apple has multiple generations of watches, and each model has its own water resistance and performance and requires a particular cleaning and drying method.
Additionally, you should also consider your band before swimming since not all models are suitable for water activities. If you’re not certain about your watch or band model, it’s best to consult with Apple’s customer care and support.