Whether you’re thinking about buying an iPhone 16, or you already own one and are worried about water damage or accidental spills, this article is for you.
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer: the iPhone 16 is water-resistant, but not waterproof.
That means a splash or rain exposure will probably be fine—but we don’t recommend taking it swimming or dropping it into a pool. Liquid damage isn’t covered under Apple’s standard warranty.
Read on for precise details and practical tips on how water resistance works on the iPhone 16, and what to do if your phone gets wet.
How Waterproof Is the iPhone 16?
Many people hear “waterproof” and assume that means zero water can ever get inside the phone. In reality, companies usually mean water-resistant and it means that the device is protected to some degree against moisture.
Devices are tested and assigned an IP rating (short for Ingress Protection). That rating shows how well a phone resists dust and moisture:
- The first number (0–6) rates dust protection.
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The second number (0–9) rates liquid resistance.
If the numbers are high, the device handles water and dust better. For modern smartphones, a second digit of 8 is about as strong as it gets.
iPhone 16 IP Rating
The iPhone 16 has an IP68 rating:
- 6 = fully protected against dust
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8 = protected against water immersion
That means the phone should survive submersion in at least 1 metre (3.3 ft) of water for 30 minutes. Apple goes further than the minimum standard, stating that the iPhone 16 can handle depths of up to 6 metres for 30 minutes in lab conditions.
While Apple goes beyond the basic IP68 requirement in lab testing, they still advise against intentional submersion.
Here’s the key thing to understand:
Water resistance isn’t permanent. Apple notes:
“Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.”
That means a brand-new iPhone 16 starts off with strong water resistance, but drops, bumps, and aging hardware can weaken that protection. The safest assumption is that your phone should avoid getting wet whenever possible.
What to Do If Your iPhone 16 Gets Wet
If your iPhone 16 gets wet:
- Wipe it down with a soft cloth right away.
- If the liquid wasn’t just water, lightly rinse the wet area with clean tap water before drying.
- Hold the phone with the charging port facing down and gently tap to help shake out excess moisture.
- Place the phone in a dry space with airflow, Apple advises that it may take up to 24 hours for your phone to dry fully if the port is wet.
- Don’t use heat or insert objects into ports while drying.
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Don’t charge your phone until moisture alerts disappear.
Don't rush this process to avoid further damage.
What to Do If Your iPhone 16 Has Water Damage
If you’ve followed those steps and your phone still isn’t behaving normally, you’re not out of options.
Apple doesn’t cover liquid damage under warranty. You can bring the phone to an Apple Store for evaluation, but if water damage is confirmed, repairs or replacement won’t be free.
At that point, your realistic options are:
- Repair the device, or
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Replace it entirely.
Water-damage repairs are complicated. Success depends on how deeply water entered and what type of liquid was involved. Many repair shops charge a few hundred dollars, and they usually can’t promise long-term success.
We recommend contacting a reputable local cell phone repair shop to get a sense of iPhone 16 water damage repair costs. However, repair shops generally charge a few hundred dollars to try to repair a water-damaged phone, and because of the complexity of the repair, usually can’t guarantee success.
Alternatively, you can replace the device outright. Naturally, an iPhone replacement is also going to be a steep financial decision, but unlike a repair, it guarantees you a working phone.
A brand new iPhone 16 retails starting at $999 CAD at the time of writing (February 2026).
If that price is making you groan, you can get a refurbished iPhone 16 from Orchard. At the time of writing, the iPhone 16 starts at $819 – $180 in savings versus brand new!
How to Prevent iPhone 16 Water Damage
The best strategy is simply to keep your phone away from water whenever possible.
Additional precautions:
- Avoid steamy places like saunas or hot showers.
- Keep the phone in dry, low-humidity environments when possible.
- Don’t drop the phone—impacts can weaken the water seals.
- Never open or tamper with the phone’s build, as that breaks the seals.
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Consider using a waterproof case or pouch if you know water exposure is likely.
Waterproof cases and pouches also help protect against drops and scratches.
Swimming
Can you take your iPhone 16 swimming? The short answer: no.
Water resistance is meant for accidental splashes and brief exposures—not underwater use. Resistance decreases over time, and repeated intentional water exposure increases risk of damage.
Even shallow water in a pocket shouldn’t be treated as safe water use.
Saltwater
Apple’s water-resistance testing uses fresh water. Saltwater is far more corrosive and can damage ports and seals much faster than plain water.
If you’re near the ocean, take extra care.
Pool Water
Chemicals like chlorine can be harsh on the iPhone 16. A quick splash probably won’t ruin the phone, but extended or repeated pool contact isn’t a good idea.
Shower
Shower steam and humidity can still affect your phone. While it’s less intense than full submersion, moisture can get inside over time. If you must bring the phone in, placing it in a sealed bag can reduce risk.
Is Liquid Damage Covered Under Apple’s Warranty?
No. Even though the iPhone 16 has water resistance, Apple states that this protection can weaken with use.
Liquid damage is not covered under the standard manufacturer warranty.
Is Any iPhone Truly Waterproof?
No iPhone, including the iPhone 16, is completely waterproof. All recent iPhones have some degree of water resistance, with the most recent ones being IP68 rated, but none are designed for intentional underwater use.
Does the iPhone 16 Have Dust Protection?
Yes. Its IP68 rating means it’s fully protected against dust entering the device. (The first number in the IP rating measures dust protection, 6 being the highest rating)
Just like water resistance, dust resistance can decline over time or after drops and repairs.
FAQ
What if my iPhone 16 falls in water?
It will probably be fine if it’s a quick, shallow drop—but not guaranteed. Dry it off, don’t charge it until fully dry, and if issues persist, have it checked by a pro.
