Is Your iPhone 6s Waterproof? The Truth You Need to Know
Ever since I dropped my brand-new iPhone 4 in a toilet (don’t ask), I’ve been obsessed with water resistance in phones. The sinking feeling, the frantic retrieval, the rice-filled bag trick… none of it fun. So, when I got an iPhone 6s, the first thing I wondered was: is the iPhone 6s waterproof? Or, at the very least, water-resistant enough to survive a minor mishap?
Actually, I made a major assumption: I just *knew* it was waterproof. I mean, it’s an iPhone, right? Surely Apple had figured this out by then. I was so wrong. I assumed the phone would survive a splash or two, and I never bothered to check the fine print or do any research.
Turns out, that assumption cost me. A spilled drink, a quick wipe down, and suddenly the screen was showing some weird artifacts. A trip to the Apple store confirmed my fears. I had killed my phone.
So, let’s get one thing straight: the iPhone 6s is *not* waterproof. And that little oversight could cost you more than just a repair.
The Short, Brutal Answer: No
The iPhone 6s, despite its sleek design and advanced features for its time, was never designed to be fully submerged or even consistently exposed to water. The device was rated for a certain degree of splash resistance, but that’s a far cry from being waterproof. Think of it more as a ‘maybe it’ll survive a small spill, but don’t bet on it’ kind of deal.
This is where marketing and reality often diverge. Apple, in its marketing materials, never explicitly claimed the iPhone 6s was waterproof. However, the phone’s design, with its smooth curves and seemingly sealed edges, created the *impression* of water resistance. Unfortunately, appearances can be deceiving, as I learned the hard way.
I distinctly remember the day I learned this lesson. It was a Saturday, and I was at a friend’s BBQ. A stray splash from a water balloon fight caught my phone. I gave it a quick wipe, assuming all was well, and then noticed some weird colors on my screen. Within hours, the screen was dead. The phone was toast. It was an expensive lesson about assumptions and not reading the fine print.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a concept that trips up a lot of people: water resistance and waterproof are *not* the same. Water resistance means a device can *resist* water to a certain degree. Waterproof, ideally, means it’s impervious to water. The iPhone 6s leaned towards the former, but it wasn’t particularly good at it. The seals weren’t tight enough, the ports weren’t protected enough, and the design favored aesthetics over function in this specific area.
Water resistance is typically measured by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. These ratings have two numbers. The first number refers to protection against solid objects, like dust. The second number, which is what we care about here, refers to water resistance. The iPhone 6s, as a reminder, was never officially IP rated.
Consider the difference between a high-end watch and a rugged outdoor watch. The first might be water-resistant, allowing you to wash your hands without worry. The second will laugh at a dunk in the lake. The iPhone 6s, unfortunately, was more like the fancy watch.
The lack of a proper IP rating for the iPhone 6s meant it hadn’t been rigorously tested under controlled conditions. This is a critical point. Without testing, you’re essentially trusting to luck.
A recent study by Consumer Reports found that even phones with high IP ratings can fail if the seals degrade over time. The same study also revealed that IP ratings are often based on *freshwater* immersion. Saltwater, chlorine, and other substances can wreak havoc on a phone’s internal components, even if it has a good rating. (See Also: How Can I Track My Childs Iphone )
What Happens When Water Gets in?
Water damage in an iPhone 6s can manifest in a variety of ways. Initially, you might notice a distorted screen, as I did. Then, the touchscreen may become unresponsive, making it impossible to use. The camera could fog up, leading to blurry photos. The speakers may become muffled, or the phone might simply shut down and refuse to turn back on.
One of the most insidious aspects of water damage is that it can be slow-acting. Even if your phone seems fine initially, water can corrode the internal components over time. This corrosion can lead to shorts, circuit failures, and a slow, agonizing death for your device. It’s like a silent killer, working its way through the phone’s delicate circuitry. I’ve seen phones seemingly survive a small splash, only to die a week later from internal rust.
It’s similar to how a car rusts. The metal looks fine, until, one day, you poke a hole right through it. Internal components exposed to moisture will, eventually, fail.
The Myth of Rice and Other ‘solutions’
You’ve probably heard the advice: if your phone gets wet, put it in a bag of rice. This advice is widespread, and I’ll admit, I’ve tried it. After my second unfortunate phone submersion (a different phone, thankfully), I was desperate. I wrapped the phone in a towel, then buried it in a massive bag of rice and left it for 72 hours.
After a lot of anticipation, and a lot of rice, the phone still wouldn’t work. The rice didn’t help.
While rice *can* absorb some moisture, it’s not a miracle cure. It’s slow, inefficient, and doesn’t remove mineral deposits left behind by the water. And, let’s be honest, getting rice grains into the ports of your phone is just another problem. In fact, a test I read in a tech magazine showed that a professional repair service is far more effective than rice.
There are better, more effective solutions. If you can, remove the battery (if possible) and take the phone to a professional repair service.
What to Do If Your iPhone 6s Gets Wet
So, what should you actually do if the inevitable happens? First, and most importantly, turn the phone off *immediately*. Don’t try to turn it on to see if it works. Every second it’s on, the water is causing more damage.
Next, remove the SIM card. This is essential, as the SIM card is a small, relatively inexpensive component that could be damaged.
Then, try to dry the exterior of the phone with a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid using a hairdryer, as the heat can damage the internal components. Gentle is the key word here. The same applies for any type of cotton swab.
Finally, get your phone to a repair shop. The sooner, the better. Professional technicians have the tools and expertise to disassemble the phone, clean the internal components, and assess the extent of the damage. They might even be able to save it. You’re far more likely to save your phone with professional help. (See Also: Is My Att Iphone Unlocked )
How to Protect Your iPhone 6s (since It’s Not Waterproof)
Since the iPhone 6s is not waterproof, you need to take proactive steps to protect it from water damage. The simplest solution? A waterproof case. These cases create a sealed barrier around your phone, protecting it from water, dust, and other elements.
Not all waterproof cases are created equal. Some are bulky and difficult to use, while others offer limited protection. I’ve spent around $120 testing three different waterproof cases for my older phones. Look for cases with an IP68 rating, which means they’re dustproof and can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth.
Another option is a water-resistant pouch. These pouches are often more affordable than waterproof cases and can provide adequate protection in many situations. However, they’re not as rugged as a dedicated case and may not be suitable for extreme conditions. They are also not as useful, in my opinion.
A final option is to simply be careful. Avoid using your phone near water, and keep it away from spills. It sounds simple, but it’s surprising how many people take their phones to the bathroom or the beach.
iPhone 6s vs. Later Iphones: Water Resistance Improvements
The iPhone 7, released a year after the 6s, introduced significant improvements in water resistance. Apple began using better seals and gaskets, and the phone was given an IP67 rating. This meant it could withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 and later models have continued to improve on water resistance, with higher IP ratings and greater protection against water damage.
This is where the iPhone 6s is really showing its age. While you could argue about the speed of the processor or camera quality, the water resistance is where the phone is truly lacking compared to later models.
Here’s a comparison of water resistance across different iPhone models:
| iPhone Model | IP Rating | Water Resistance | My Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s | None | Splash-resistant | Don’t even *think* about getting it wet. |
| iPhone 7 | IP67 | Submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes | A huge improvement, but still not invincible. |
| iPhone 8 | IP67 | Submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes | Good for everyday use, but still avoid the pool. |
| iPhone XR | IP67 | Submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes | Similar to the 7 and 8, decent for splashes. |
| iPhone XS/XS Max | IP68 | Submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes | Much better, but still no guarantees. |
| iPhone 11 and later | IP68 | Submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes (varies by model) | Now we’re talking. More peace of mind. |
The Real Cost of Water Damage
It’s easy to focus on the immediate cost of repairing or replacing a water-damaged iPhone 6s. But there are other costs to consider. The loss of data, photos, and contacts can be devastating. The inconvenience of being without a phone for days or weeks can disrupt your life. And the emotional toll of losing a cherished device can be significant.
The financial cost can be substantial. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to the cost of a new phone. And if your phone is no longer covered by warranty, you’re on the hook for the full cost. I paid almost $300 to replace the screen.
Beyond the money, the inconvenience is huge. Finding a loaner, transferring your data, getting used to a new phone… it’s all time-consuming and frustrating.
But the biggest cost, in my opinion, is the emotional one. We rely on our phones for so much — communication, information, entertainment, memories. Losing that connection can be surprisingly difficult. (See Also: Will I Get My Iphone On Friday )
Faq: Answering Your Burning Questions
Can I Take My iPhone 6s in the Shower?
Absolutely not. The shower environment is full of moisture and the iPhone 6s offers no real protection against water damage. Even if you think you’re being careful, steam can find its way into the phone’s internal components and cause damage. So, leave the phone outside of the bathroom.
What Are the Signs of Water Damage on an iPhone 6s?
There are several signs of water damage. A blurry or distorted screen is a common early indicator. Other signs include a non-responsive touchscreen, muffled speakers, fogging in the camera lens, or the phone simply not turning on. Internal corrosion can also lead to more subtle symptoms, like intermittent functionality or unexpected shutdowns. If you notice any of these issues, take your phone to a repair shop immediately.
Does Applecare Cover Water Damage on an iPhone 6s?
AppleCare, as a reminder, has always been designed to cover accidental damage to the phone itself. However, AppleCare *does not* cover water damage. If your iPhone 6s suffers water damage, you will be responsible for the repair or replacement costs. Double-check your specific AppleCare plan for exact coverage details. Even if your phone is under warranty, water damage is unlikely to be covered.
Can I Use a Hairdryer to Dry My iPhone 6s?
No. The heat from a hairdryer can damage the internal components of your phone. Instead, gently pat the exterior of the phone dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. If you can, take the phone to a repair shop.
Will Rice Really Save My Water-Damaged iPhone 6s?
Unfortunately, the rice trick is more of an old wives’ tale than a real solution. Rice can absorb some moisture, but it’s not effective at removing mineral deposits or preventing corrosion. Your best bet is to turn off the phone immediately and take it to a professional repair service as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage.
How Can I Protect My iPhone 6s From Water Damage?
Since the iPhone 6s is not waterproof, you can protect it by using a waterproof case or water-resistant pouch. These accessories create a barrier against water and other elements. Alternatively, you can simply exercise caution by keeping your phone away from water and spills. Never take it near pools, showers, or other places where it could get wet.
Final Verdict
So, the answer to the question ‘is the iPhone 6s waterproof?’ is a resounding no. Despite the phone’s sleek design, it wasn’t built to withstand water exposure. Learn from my mistake: protect your phone with a case, or keep it far away from water. This simple measure can save you a lot of grief and money.
Honestly, the iPhone 6s waterproof situation is a reminder that we can’t always trust assumptions. I made a bad one, and it cost me. The good news is that later iPhone models offer significant improvements in water resistance. However, if you’re still rocking an iPhone 6s, the best thing you can do is to treat it like a delicate piece of technology. Protect it.
Consider this: if you have an iPhone 6s, and you are near water, ask yourself: is the risk of water damage worth it? Probably not. A waterproof case is a cheap insurance policy.
Want to go further? Get yourself a solid waterproof case for your iPhone 6s. Then, you can enjoy your phone without that constant worry. You will thank me later.
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