Apple Watch is water resistant, not waterproof. It's an important distinction. "Waterproof" means impervious to water under any conditions. "Water resistant" means it can handle water up to a specified depth and duration under controlled test conditions. Apple uses the second standard across all Apple Watch models.

The practical question is what you can actually do with the watch in water. For most people, the answer is: swimming, showering, and getting caught in the rain are all fine. Scuba diving and high-velocity water activities are where the limits appear, depending on which model you have.

This guide covers the water resistance rating for each current Apple Watch model, what's safe, what's not, how to eject water after submersion, and what can void the water resistance over time.

Key Takeaways

• Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a 50-meter water resistance rating; Apple Watch Ultra has 100 meters

• 50m means pool and ocean swimming are fine; it does not mean the watch is rated for diving or high-speed water sports

• Water resistance is not permanent and can degrade with age, impacts, and exposure to soaps, lotions, and chemicals

Water Resistant vs Waterproof: What the Difference Means

Water resistance is measured against specific test standards under controlled conditions. The ISO 22810:2010 standard that Apple uses for most Apple Watch models involves static submersion at a specified depth for 30 minutes in fresh water. It does not involve the pressure changes of real diving, the impact of water jets, or long-duration submersion.

The "50 meters" rating does not mean you can take the watch to 50 meters depth. It means it passed a static test at that pressure. Real-world diving involves much higher dynamic pressures. This is why Apple specifies that only Apple Watch Ultra (with its EN 13319 recreational diving certification) is rated for actual scuba diving.

Apple Watch Water Resistance by Model

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3: 100-meter water resistance under ISO 22810:2010, plus EN 13319 certification for recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. This is the only Apple Watch series rated for actual diving. High-velocity water sports are also listed as supported.

Apple Watch Series 11 (and Series 2 through Series 10): 50-meter water resistance under ISO 22810:2010. Pool swimming, open water swimming, and showering are all fine. Diving, high-velocity water activities, and water skiing are not recommended.

Apple Watch SE 3 (and SE 1-2): 50-meter water resistance under ISO 22810:2010. Same capabilities and limits as the Series line.

Apple Watch Series 1 and original Apple Watch (1st generation): IPX7 rating only, meaning it can handle splashes and brief immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes but is not rated for swimming.

What You Can Do in Water with Apple Watch

For Apple Watch Series 2 and later (including SE and Ultra), swimming in a pool or ocean is supported. The watch can track swim workouts, counting laps and tracking stroke type. It has a built-in Water Lock mode that disables the touchscreen to prevent accidental inputs while swimming.

Showering is fine. Washing dishes is fine. Getting caught in rain is fine. These are all well within the 50-meter rating. The practical limits start when you're talking about:

• Water skiing or wake boarding (high-velocity water impact)

• Surfing (high-impact water pressure)

• Diving below shallow recreational depth (except Apple Watch Ultra)

• High-pressure water sources (jet washing, diving gear filling)

How to Eject Water from Apple Watch

After swimming, Water Lock mode (enabled automatically during swim workouts) keeps water trapped in the speaker. To eject it, turn the Digital Crown. The watch emits a series of tones at varying frequencies that push water out of the speaker grille. You'll see water droplets exit the speaker as it runs.

If you didn't use Water Lock, you can enable it manually. Swipe up to open Control Center and tap the water drop icon. Turn the Digital Crown to eject water when you're done. After ejecting, dry the watch and band before putting it back on to avoid skin irritation.

What Voids Apple Watch Water Resistance

Apple is explicit that water resistance is not a permanent condition. Several things degrade it over time:

• Soaps, shampoo, and conditioner: These are listed by Apple as potentially compromising the seals. Showering is generally fine, but regular exposure to heavy soaps can degrade resistance over time.

• Lotions, sunscreen, and perfume: These can get into the seals and weaken them. Apply these before putting the watch on, not after.

• Hot water: Saunas and hot showers involve steam and heat, which can get into gaskets more effectively than cold water and are not recommended by Apple.

• Physical impacts: Dropping the watch or hitting it against a hard surface can compromise the seals even if the glass doesn't crack.

• Third-party bands: Apple's own bands are tested with the watch. Third-party bands may not seal as well around the connection point.

What to Do If Your Apple Watch Gets Water Damaged

If water gets inside the watch (indicated by a foggy display, unresponsive touch, or speaker issues), power it off immediately and do not charge it while wet. Leave it in a dry environment with airflow for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to power on or charge.

Apple's warranty does not cover water damage. If the watch was damaged by water within the rated conditions, AppleCare+ covers it with a service fee. If you used the watch outside the rated conditions, the repair is out-of-pocket.

The Liquid Contact Indicator inside the watch changes color when exposed to water, so Apple can determine if water entered the device when you bring it in for service.

Which Apple Watch Is Best for Water Activities?

If water activities are a priority, the choice comes down to what type of water activity:

• Pool or ocean swimming: Apple Watch Series 11 or SE 3 both work. The SE 3 costs less; the Series 11 has more health sensors.

• Scuba diving or high-velocity water sports: Only Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rated for these. Its 100m WR and EN 13319 certification are built for serious water use.

For how Apple Watch compares to Garmin for swim tracking and water sports, the Garmin vs Apple Watch breakdown covers both ecosystems. For tracking sleep and health data with Apple Watch, the guide on how to track sleep on Apple Watch is a useful next step.

Apple Watch and Your Daily Health Tracking

Water resistance means you can keep Apple Watch on during workouts, swimming, and daily life without worry. What happens with all that health data afterward is the gap most users don't think about. The watch tracks heart rate, sleep, steps, and activity. Making sense of that data and acting on it is a separate step.

Lifestack connects to Apple Health, pulls in your activity and sleep data, and uses it to build a daily schedule based on your energy levels. If your sleep score was poor, Lifestack adjusts the plan. If your activity is high, it protects recovery time. The best Apple Watch apps guide covers other third-party options as well.

For tracking sleep stages specifically, the guide on sleep stages on Apple Watch explains what each stage means and how accurate the readings are. If you're comparing Apple Watch to other wearables for health tracking, the Whoop vs Apple Watch breakdown covers the main differences in depth.

Lifestack's annual plan is $49.99/year with a 7-day free trial; monthly is $9.99/month.

FAQ

Can I swim with Apple Watch?

Yes, for Apple Watch Series 2 and later (including SE and Ultra). These models have 50-meter water resistance under ISO 22810:2010, which covers pool and open-water swimming. Apple Watch Ultra is additionally rated for recreational scuba diving to 40 meters.

Can I shower with Apple Watch?

Yes, showering is within the water resistance rating for Series 2 and later. Apple advises against using it in saunas or steam rooms, and recommends avoiding heavy soap and shampoo exposure regularly, as these can degrade the seals over time.

What is the water resistance rating of Apple Watch Series 11?

Apple Watch Series 11 has a 50-meter water resistance rating under ISO 22810:2010. This covers swimming but not scuba diving, water skiing, or other high-velocity water activities.

Can I go scuba diving with Apple Watch?

Only with Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Ultra 3. These models are certified to EN 13319 for recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. All other Apple Watch models are not rated for diving despite their 50-meter resistance rating, because that rating is based on static pressure tests, not the dynamic pressures of real diving.

Does water damage void Apple Watch warranty?

The standard warranty doesn't cover water damage. AppleCare+ covers water damage (even accidental) with a service fee if the damage occurred within normal use conditions. Using the watch outside its rated water resistance conditions means repair costs are out of pocket.

How do I know if my Apple Watch has water resistance?

Apple Watch Series 1 and the original Apple Watch have IPX7 ratings (splash-resistant only). Series 2 and all later models, including SE and Ultra, have the 50-meter or 100-meter rating. Check your model number in Settings > General > About or on the case back.