The iPhone 13 Pro Max has an official IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged to a depth of 6 meters (about 20 feet) for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple does not advertise these phones as fully “waterproof.” So how water-resistant is the iPhone 13 Pro Max in real life? Let’s take a detailed look.
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iPhone 13 Pro Max Water Resistance Levels
The IP rating stands for “Ingress Protection” and formally classifies the dust and water resistance capabilities. Here is what the IP68 rating for the iPhone 13 Pro Max means:
- Dust Resistance: The “6” indicates the iPhone 13 Pro Max is “dust tight” and fully protected against dust getting into the phone even in dusty environments.
- Water Resistance Depth: The “8” indicates the phone can withstand immersion in fresh water to a depth of 6 meters (just under 20 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
So in controlled lab-like conditions, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been tested to survive when submerged nearly 20 feet deep for half an hour.
However, Apple cautions that things like salt water, chlorinated water, soapy water, or liquids other than fresh water can impact water resistance over time and wear down seals. There are also many real-life factors like water pressure, turbulence, temperature, and proper seal maintenance that may reduce water protection below the IP68 rating.
How iPhone 13 Pro Max Compares to Older iPhones
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the same IP68 water resistance rating as the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max before it. Here is how other recent iPhone models compare:
| Model | IP Rating | Depth | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | IP68 | 6m (20 ft) | 30 min |
| iPhone 13/13 mini | IP68 | 6m (20 ft) | 30 min |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | IP68 | 6m (20 ft) | 30 min |
| iPhone 12/12 mini | IP68 | 6m (20 ft) | 30 min |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | IP68 | 4m | 30 min |
| iPhone XR | IP67 | 1m | 30 min |
| iPhone XS/XS Max | IP68 | 2m | 30 min |
| iPhone X | IP67 | 1m | 30 min |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | IP67 | 1m | 30 min |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | IP67 | 1m | 30 min |
So while the iPhone 13 Pro Max matches its most recent predecessors for water resistance specs, it shows improvement over earlier models. The 30-minute submersion depth has increased over time from 1-2 meters in the iPhone X/iPhone 8 generation to 4-6 meters from the iPhone XS onwards.
Real-Life Water Exposure Scenarios
Under controlled lab conditions, the iPhone 13 Pro Max survived immersion to 6 meters for 30 minutes without getting damaged. But what about in the messiness of real life? Here are some anecdotal experiences of the iPhone 13 Pro Max handling water exposure:
- Short Rain & Splashes: Getting briefly rained on or accidentally splashed should not be an issue. The water-resistant seals can easily handle incidental moisture provided the ports are properly closed. Just be sure to wipe dry afterward.
- Pools & Saltwater: Many users have reported taking their iPhone 13 Pro Max in chlorinated swimming pools and saltwater at the beach for a few minutes without issues. However, prolonged submersion in non-freshwater or high velocities can wear down water seals over time, so exercise caution. Consider waterproof cases for extended swimming/snorkeling use.
- Toilets & Sinks: Numerous incidents of iPhone 13 Pro Max owners accidentally dropping their phones in toilets or sinks report the phone surviving, especially if retrieved quickly. However, toilet water can contain contaminants, and moisture in charging ports can be dangerously conductive, so these situations still risk damage.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Some very lucky iPhone 13 Pro Max owners report their phones improbably surviving full washing machine and dishwasher cycles. However, the high water pressures and temperatures under these conditions are beyond the IP68 rating and can easily damage phones.
Overall, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has proven surprisingly resilient in many real-world accidental water exposures. But extended submersions, high water pressures, hot temperatures, or corrosive liquids can overwhelm its water seals. So while peace of mind is higher, prudent precautions are still a good idea around water.
Expert Tips for Water Protection
To get the most water protection from your iPhone 13 Pro Max, here are some additional tips from experts:
- Avoid exposing the phone to non-freshwater like pools, saltwater, soaps, or liquids besides pure water, which can degrade water seals over time.
- Dry your phone thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth if it gets splashed or wet. Residual moisture can impact water seals or electrically conduct through charging ports.
- Inspect your phone for damage after any water exposure event, especially the charging port, to ensure seals are still intact. Avoid charging until fully dry.
- Consider waterproof cases or waterproof pouches as an added layer of protection if deliberately taking your phone near water, especially for underwater photography.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes like jumping into hot tubs in cold weather with your phone, which can cause internal water condensation.
- Replace your iPhone 13 Pro Max if submerged beyond its IP68 rating depths/times, exposed to high water pressure, or exposed to liquids beyond fresh water. Internal damage may have occurred.
While the iPhone 13 Pro Max has excellent real-world water resilience, ultimately, it is an electronic device not intended for deep water activities. Reasonable precautions will keep your phone protected in common spills or accidents. But serious underwater use still merits waterproof cases for assured safety.
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you confidence in the water protection capabilities of the iPhone 13 Pro Max while dispelling any notion it is a totally waterproof device. With responsible care around liquids, your iPhone 13 Pro Max can withstand splashes, spills, and brief submersions with ease. But additional waterproofing accessories or replacements may be needed if significantly exceeding its IP68 water resistance ratings.
