Is the iPhone Duo waterproof? What its water resistance rating means

💡Need to know

• Know your rating: The iPhone® Duo is rated IP68, which means it can handle up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes in certain conditions.
• No phone is invincible: The biggest difference between water-resistant versus waterproof phones is that only the first type exists, because no phone is completely waterproof.
• Resistance doesn't always last: If your Duo's seals wear, it might lose its water resistance.
• Read the fine print: Water damage isn't covered by Apple's warranty, but it may be covered by other protection plans.

---

No one plans to drop their phone in a puddle or drip coffee on the screen. Sooner or later, though, most phones have a close encounter with liquid. And when you have an iPhone Duo with two screens, you've got twice the opportunity for water damage. 

At Asurion, we've seen what water damage can do to a phone, even one that's designed to resist it. And there's a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Here's what the iPhone Duo's water resistance rating means, what it can actually withstand, and when a little moisture becomes a bigger problem.

What IP68 means for the iPhone Duo

Whether iPhones are waterproof or water-resistant comes down to the Ingress Protection (IP) rating.

Apple™ rates the Duo as IP68. That means it can withstand immersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes under controlled lab conditions. It's still only water-resistant, though, because this rating doesn't guarantee protection from every liquid.

For example, your phone's seals may wear with age, allowing water to seep into the hardware. This could lead to liquid damage even if you only drop it in a shallow puddle or dry it immediately. Certain liquids, such as saltwater or hot coffee, could also damage your phone.

Folding phones with hinges may give liquid an extra opening, increasing the risk of damage. Apple also hasn't explained if the iPhone Duo is waterproof or water-resistant when it's folded shut. 

Rain, spills, pools, and showers: What's safe

Ideally, your iPhone Duo will always stay perfectly dry, but that's not always possible. Here's what's safe and what to avoid: 

What to do if your iPhone Duo gets wet

Don't panic if your Duo gets wet, but don't just leave it alone either. These steps can help prevent damage:

1. Unplug any charging cables immediately.
2. Turn off the Duo by pressing and holding the Side button and Volume Up button at the same time, then drag the power slider.
3. Gently tap the phone against your palm with the USB-C connector facing down to shake out any liquid.
4. Let the phone air dry.
5. Wait at least 5 hours to charge your phone.

Resist the urge to dry your phone with heat or stick a cotton swab inside. That might damage the internal components. Contrary to popular belief, you should also avoid burying the phone in rice. Tiny rice particles could get inside and cause even more damage than the liquid.

Liquid detected alerts and other warning signs

The iPhone Duo comes with built-in liquid detection. If it senses water inside the charging port, a "Liquid Detected" alert will pop up on your screen. 

Other red flags include: 

• Blotches or spots on the screen
• A muffled speaker
• A foggy camera lens

If you see these symptoms, consider getting your phone checked by a pro. 

---

FAQ

What does an IP68 rating mean?

An IP68 rating means a device can resist water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters. The 6 also means that the phone is protected against dust. 

How long can a water-resistant phone stay in water?

Apple rates the Duo for up to 30 minutes of submersion at a depth of 6 meters. This resistance isn't permanent, though, so don't test it just to see what happens. 

How waterproof are iPhones really?

The Duo and other iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof, so they may not survive long periods of submersion. This resistance can also fade with wear. 

Which iPhone has the best water resistance?

Starting with the iPhone 12, all newer models have an IP68 water resistance rating, which is one of the highest water resistance levels currently available.