Your Waterproof Phone Is Not Meant for the Pool or the Sea

A waterproof rating does not mean your phone is ready for the pool or the ocean. CNET reports that even the top phones of 2026, including the iPhone 18 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro, are built to survive accidents like a drop in the toilet or a walk in heavy rain, not a swim.

What the ratings mean

Ratings like IP68 come from the International Electrotechnical Commission. The first number covers solids such as dust and sand, on a scale of 0 to 6. The second covers liquids, on a scale of 0 to 8. When you see an X, as in IPX8, the maker did not provide test details for that part. An IPX8 device can handle submersion, but it has no official dust rating.

Not all IP68 phones are equal

To earn an 8, a phone must survive at least 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Beyond that, the maker sets the limit. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro is safe in up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Checking the fine print matters.

Why the pool and sea are risky

The tests happen in a lab, in still water. Moving a phone through water adds pressure, which makes leaks more likely. Tests also use fresh water, while most pools contain chemicals such as chlorine. Salt water can eat away at metal parts in the charging port and ruin the phone. The ratings also apply to new phones, and seals around ports and buttons can wear down over time.

What to do

• Treat water resistance as an emergency backup, such as for spilled drinks or a call in the rain.
• Skip snorkeling photos and dives with your phone in your pocket.
• Use a dedicated action camera, such as the DJI Mission 1 Pro, to film underwater.
• Remember that most warranties do not cover water damage, whatever the rating.

Phones with no rating

Some phones skip the official rating because testing is slow and costly, especially on budget models. They may say "water-repellent" or "water-resistant" instead, using rubber seals or a coating. Those phones might survive an accidental dunk, but the article advises keeping them away from full submersion. The OnePlus Nord 2, for example, has no stated water resistance.