Water resistance is a key standard feature of flagship models. As Apple’s flagship product, the iPhone 17 Pro boasts an IP68 water resistance rating. It can withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes. This protects against accidental splashes, rain, and liquid spills.

However, a phone’s water resistance can diminish over time and with normal wear and tear. Therefore, a protective case is essential for your iPhone. This piece will talk about the iPhone 17 Pro's water resistance in detail and suggest cases that do a great job of protecting it.

The iPhone 17 Pro’s Water Resistance Rating

The iPhone 17 Pro has an IP68 rating. This is one of the highest levels of dust and water resistance under the current IEC 60529 standard.

It is important to note that an IP68 rating does not mean the iPhone 17 Pro is completely waterproof. No iPhone model should be submerged in water for extended periods or used at depths exceeding 6 meters. Apple explicitly states that splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent. Protection will gradually diminish over time and with normal wear and tear.

What Factors Affect the iPhone 17 Pro’s Water Resistance?

The specific water resistance of the iPhone 17 Pro is also influenced by various factors. These primarily include:

Protection Performance Degrades over Time

The iPhone 17 Pro's water resistance will naturally go down over time, even if it has a perfect IP68 rating when it is first made. The internal seals can be slightly affected by changes in temperature and physical vibrations that happen every day. After one to two years of use, water resistance may be significantly reduced.

Physical Damage can Reduce Water Resistance

Any drops or collisions that the iPhone 17 Pro has been through are likely to have badly damaged its water resistance. The sealing structure can be broken by tiny cracks or microscopic structural deformations. When you fix something, like replacing the screen or battery, it can also affect how waterproof it is.

Type of Liquid

The IP68 rating of the iPhone 17 Pro was checked in a controlled setting with fresh water. In real life, there are many kinds of liquids, and each one is different in how dangerous it is to the device:

• Seawater: Salt is very corrosive and can hurt the charging port, speakers, and electrical parts inside the phone. It is suggested that you rinse your iPhone well with fresh water right away if you happen to drop it into Seawater.

• Pool Water: Pool water with high chlorine content is also corrosive. Prolonged exposure can damage sealing materials and metal contacts.

• Sugary Beverages: Coffee, pop, and juice, which are all high in sugar, leave behind sticky residues when they evaporate. These can block the speaker and microphone holes and damage the electronics inside.

• Soap and Shower Gel: These chemicals lower the surface tension of water, which lets water get into small spaces and compromise the seals on the device.

Usage Scenarios

For everyday situations, the iPhone 17 Pro’s water resistance is more than sufficient. However, caution is advised in certain specific situations.

• Use in the Rain: Making calls, checking navigation, or taking photos in the rain will not damage the device. The IP68 rating ensures that rainwater cannot penetrate the device’s interior.

• Kitchens and Bathrooms: It's safe for splashes from cooking or washing your hands. It's important to remember, though, that steam can get through things more easily than liquid water, so staying in the hot and humid bathroom for a long time is not a good idea.

• Spilt Beverages: If you spill coffee or water on the iPhone 17 Pro by mistake, it should be fine as long as you dry it right away. On the other hand, if a sugary drink spills, you should clean it up as soon as possible with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

• Use at the Pool or Beach: It is possible for the iPhone 17 Pro to be submerged in water up to 6 metres deep for 30 minutes. However, it's not a good idea to do this, especially in saltwater or pool water.

• Hot Tubs and Saunas: High temperatures and steam are the enemies of waterproof seals. Hot water causes sealing materials to expand and then contract, which may lead to permanent deformation. Steam molecules can more easily penetrate the device’s interior.

• High-Pressure Water Jets: The IP68 rating doesn't cover defence against water jets with high pressure. Because of this, you shouldn't use high-pressure sprayers or a strong stream of water from the tap to clean the iPhone 17 Pro.

How Phone Cases Enhance Water Resistance?

An excellent phone case can keep your phone from getting broken by accident and can even make it more resistant to water. They offer extra protection in the following ways:

• Physical Barriers: Professional waterproof cases form a completely sealed, watertight layer. They typically use rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal critical closure points.

• Sealed Port Covers: Protective covers block water from getting into the phone's internal circuitry at points of entry like charge ports and headphone jacks.

• Water-repellent Materials: Cases are made from water-repellent materials, such as polycarbonate and silicone.

• Integrated Screen Protection: A lot of waterproof phone cases have a screen protection built in that keeps water from touching the screen.

• Acoustic Membranes: The speaker and microphone are protected by specially made layers that let sound waves pass through but keep water out.

• IP Rating: A lot of good phone cases have passed waterproof tests with an IP67 or IP68 rating.

Learn More: Should You Really Buy Waterproof Phone Cases?

SUPCASE Case Recommendations

SUPCASE phone cases are renowned for their exceptional protective performance. Both the iPhone 17 Pro Series cases and the iPhone 17 Pro Max Case series can withstand harsh weather and environments. Here are three recommended cases for you.

UB GRIP Series iPhone 17 Pro Max MagSafe Phone Case

This case combines excellent protection with a comfortable grip.

Key Features:

• Matte Back Design: The semi-transparent surface looks sleek and modern and doesn't show fingerprints or scratches.

• Military-Grade Drop Protection: It has a TPU+PC structure and corner airbags, so it can withstand a 15-foot drop.

• MagSafe Compatibility: Built-in N52-grade magnets ensure seamless compatibility with all MagSafe accessories.

• Aluminium Stand: Offers multiple hands-free viewing angles.

• Non-Slip Grip: Provides a secure hold even in wet conditions.

UB GRIP PRO Series iPhone 17 Pro MagSafe Cases

This phone case offers even more comprehensive protection.

Key Features:

• 20-foot Drop Test: Meets MIL-STD-810H-516.8 standards and passes a drop test from 20 feet.

• Camera Control Button Cover: It has a built-in shutter button that works perfectly with camera features.

• Dual-layer Shock-absorbing Frame: Provides exceptional impact absorption.

• Multi-position Stand: Supports hands-free viewing in both landscape and portrait orientations.

UB PRO Series iPhone 17 Pro Phone Case

This phone case won CNET's Best Drop Test Award and is the best choice for people who want the most protection.

Key Features:

• Dual-layer Construction: Features a tightly interlocking dual-layer design. A rigid back panel paired with flexible soft edges provides ultimate drop protection.

• Military-Grade Certification: It passes the MIL-STD-810H-516.8 test and will protect your phone even if it falls from a height of 20 feet.

• Built-in Screen Protector: Prevents screen scratches and moisture exposure without affecting touch sensitivity.

• Multi-Function Stand: Built-in stand supports hands-free viewing in both landscape and portrait modes.

• Precise Camera Control: The built-in camera button has 19 pure copper wires that work just like the original button's press and slide functions.

Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Pro is undoubtedly a phone with excellent water resistance. With an IP68 rating, it can handle the vast majority of water-related situations in daily life. However, water resistance is not permanent; physical damage, the type of liquid, and the passage of time can all weaken this capability. Therefore, a phone case that provides comprehensive protection is essential.

FAQ

Can I Take Photos with the iPhone 17 Pro in a Swimming Pool?

Yes, but using the phone in pool water is not recommended. It is possible for the chlorine in pools to damage metal contacts and sealing materials. If you really need to take pictures underwater, you should use professional gear that is waterproof.

Can I Charge the iPhone 17 Pro After It Gets Wet?

Under no circumstances should you charge it immediately. If the charging port is damp, connecting a charging cable may cause corrosion or a short circuit. The correct procedure is to ensure it is completely dry before attempting to charge it.

Does Using a Protective Case Affect the iPhone 17 Pro’s Water Resistance?

A good protective case doesn't alter the device's native water resistance; instead, it helps protect the waterproof structure. However, if water builds up inside the case, it may keep the phone wet for longer. It is best to take off the case every so often to clean and dry the phone, especially after it has been wet.