Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max Waterproof? What You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard people say the iPhone 16 Pro Max is "waterproof," but is that really true? If you’re thinking about taking your phone to the pool, beach, or just worried about spilling soda on it, this guide is for you.

We’ll break down what the iPhone 16 Pro Max can handle, what its limits are, and how to keep it safe. Let’s dive in!

1. What Does "Waterproof" Really Mean?

First, let’s clear up a common mix-up: no phone is 100% waterproof. Instead, phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max are water-resistant. This means they can survive some water exposure, but not all.

Apple gives the iPhone 16 Pro Max an IP68 rating. This rating tells you how well the phone can resist dust and water. Here’s what the numbers mean:

IP Rating	Protection Level
6	Dustproof (no dust gets inside).
8	Can survive freshwater up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) deep for 30 minutes.

Important Notes:

• This rating is based on lab tests, not real-life situations.
• Saltwater, soda, or beer aren’t the same as freshwater. They can harm your phone faster.

2. Real-World Water Tests: What Happened?

YouTube creators tested the iPhone 16 Pro Max in everyday scenarios. Here’s what they found:

Test 1: Spills (Water, Soda, Beer)

• Water Bottle Spill: The phone survived splashes and even a full pour. The screen temporarily stopped working underwater but worked fine after drying.
• Soda & Beer Spills: Sticky liquids like soda or beer didn’t break the phone, but they left residue. The speakers smelled like beer afterward!

Takeaway: Small accidents are okay, but clean your phone quickly.

Test 2: Submerged in a Pool

The phone was left underwater for 20 seconds in a pool. After drying:

• Touchscreen, cameras, and speakers worked perfectly.
• The speaker had water inside but cleared up using a “water eject” shortcut (more on this later).

Test 3: Ocean Water

Saltwater is risky because salt causes corrosion. The phone survived a quick dip, but the tester rinsed it with freshwater immediately.

Takeaway: Always rinse saltwater off your phone ASAP.

3. What the iPhone 16 Pro Max Can Handle

Here’s a quick list of water-related situations your phone can likely survive:

Situation	Safe?	Notes
Rain or splashes	✅ Yes	Wipe it dry afterward.
Dropping in a sink/puddle	✅ Yes	Retrieve it quickly (under 30 minutes).
Spilling soda/coffee	✅ Yes	Clean the phone to avoid sticky residue.
Poolside photos	✅ Yes	Avoid swimming with it.
Beach or ocean	⚠️ Maybe	Rinse with freshwater immediately.

4. What the iPhone 16 Pro Max Can’t Handle

Don’t push your luck! Here’s what to avoid:

Situation	Why It’s Bad
High-pressure water (jets/hoses)	Forces water into seams.
Hot water (showers, saunas)	Heat damages seals inside.
Saltwater for long periods	Causes rust and corrosion.
Charging while wet	Can short-circuit the phone.

Important: Water damage isn’t covered by Apple’s warranty. Repairs can cost hundreds of dollars!

5. What to Do If Your Phone Gets Wet

1. Dry It Immediately
   • Use a soft cloth or towel.
   • Tap the phone gently to shake water out of speakers/ports.
2. Don’t Charge It
   • Wait at least 30 minutes (or until it’s fully dry).
3. Use the “Water Eject” Shortcut
   • This free tool uses sound waves to push water out of speakers.
   • Go to Settings > Shortcuts to download it.
4. Rinse After Saltwater
   • Use freshwater to wash off salt or sand.

6. Tips to Keep Your iPhone Safe

• Avoid Water Fun: Don’t take photos underwater without a diving case(see below).
• Check for Damage: If your phone is cracked, water resistance is weaker.
• Update iOS: Apple sometimes improves water-resistance software.

7. Underwater Photography? Use a Case!

While the iPhone 16 Pro Max can survive quick dips, it’s not designed for underwater adventures. For snorkeling or diving, buy a professional diving case. These cases:

• Seal your phone completely.
• Let you use the touchscreen underwater.
• Protect against sand, salt, and pressure.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Water

1. Can I swim or take underwater photos with my iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Answer: No. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max can survive quick dips in water (like dropping it in a pool or sink), it’s not designed for swimming or underwater photography. Apple’s IP68 rating means it can handle freshwaterup to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes in lab conditions, but real-world scenarios (like moving water, saltwater, or pressure) can damage it. For snorkeling or diving, use a professional diving case for full protection.

2. What should I do if my iPhone falls in saltwater or the ocean?

Answer: Act fast! Saltwater can corrode your phone’s internal parts. Here’s what to do:

1. Rinse it gently with freshwater to remove salt and sand.
2. Dry it with a soft cloth.
3. Use the “Water Eject” shortcut (in Settings > Shortcuts) to clear water from speakers.
4. Avoid charging it until it’s fully dry.

3. Will Apple fix my iPhone if water damages it?

Answer: No. Apple’s warranty does not cover water damage, even for IP68-rated iPhones. Repairs can be expensive, so always dry your phone immediately and avoid risky situations like taking it into the ocean or pool.

4. Can I charge my iPhone if it gets wet?

Answer: Wait at least 30 minutes after drying your phone before charging it. Charging a wet iPhone can cause short circuits. If you see a “Liquid Detected” alert, unplug it and let it dry completely.

5. How long will the iPhone 16 Pro Max stay water-resistant?

Answer: Water resistance fades over time due to wear, drops, or temperature changes. For most people, it lasts 1-2 years. If your phone is older, has cracks, or has been repaired, its water resistance is likely weaker.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is water-resistant, not waterproof. It can handle spills, rain, and accidental drops in water, but it’s not built for swimming, diving, or long water exposure. Always dry it quickly, avoid saltwater, and never charge it while wet. For underwater adventures, use a diving case—it’s cheaper than replacing a damaged phone!

Remember: Treat your iPhone like a fragile gadget, not a superhero. A little caution goes a long way in keeping it safe!