Wearing an Apple Watch in the shower or while diving in a swimming pool can be disturbing. This is an expensive technology and has been programmed to keep our favorite gadgets out of the water at all costs. However, for most Apple Watch models, you don’t need to worry.
In fact, Apple-designed this watch so that you can wear it while swimming. Oops, all new models can withstand saltwater. It even has a fancy water spray function, which is absolutely fun to use.
However, you need to be aware of some limitations. Anything that involves high-pressure water, such as water skiing, will not work.
These Apple Watch models are less water-resistant
The first generation of Apple Watch-sometimes called Series 0, the second generation of Apple Watch Series 1 is not actually designed to cope with occasional splashes. Apple does not recommend submerging the model completely because the speakers and microphone may be damaged.
If you want to try these early Apple Watch models, you need to take off the watch and put down the speakers. The speaker is on the left side of the housing. This will drain all the water in the cavity. Do not use compressed air or any other equipment to remove water, otherwise, it may cause damage.
Models designed for swimming
As Apple’s approach to the Apple Watch matured, going from an extension of your iPhone to a health and fitness device, its capabilities have followed. Newer Apple Watch models are not only waterproof but they’re specifically designed for swimming. Here’s a complete list of the current Apple Watch models that you can use in the pool without a second thought:
- Apple Watch Series 2
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
The water resistance ISO rating of these models is 22810:2010, which means that they can withstand a maximum depth of 50 meters (164 feet).
Even if it reaches this level, Apple does not recommend wearing a watch while diving or water skiing. You want to avoid situations where water may be forced into the meter hole at high speed or high depth.
You can wear the watch in freshwater or seawater, as long as you remember to swim in the ocean to remove the salt, rinse the watch with freshwater (less than a tap). When performing operations, be sure to rotate the digital crown to remove all debris.
Be mindful of your Apple Watchband
Not all Apple Watch straps are wet. According to Apple, classic buckles, leather loops, modern buckles, Milanese, and chain bracelets are not waterproof. Instead, you can spend a few dollars on a cheap band on Amazon, or get one of Apple’s Sport or Sport Loop bands.
Remember to turn on the water lock before going for a dip
When swimming, get into the habit of activating a Water Lock on the Apple Watch. The feature prevents water from activating the touchscreen of your watch.
Starting a Swim exercise activity automatically enables Water Lock. Otherwise, you can activate Water Lock in the Control Center (swipe up from the bottom of the screen on your watch face) and tap on the water drop icon.
To disable Water Lock you’ll need to turn the Digital Crown on your watch until you begin to hear a series of beeps. The noise emitted from the speaker is used to eject any water inside the cavity.
