Ever wonder how Apple tests an iPhone for water resistance? YouTube star Marques Brownlee recently visited the facilities where Apple conducts tests to make sure the phone lives up to its IP ratings. The current iPhone 15 models have an IP68 rating . The first number (6) means the phones are dust-proof, and the second number (8) means the device can be submerged in fresh water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.
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Brownlee posted a tweet describing the series of tests Apple runs in a room full of machinesthat test for water ingress. The first test places the iPhone on a tray and has water fall on the device like rain. Brownlee says there is no pressure in the water falling on the handset, and surviving this test would give a phone an IPX4.
The next test uses a prolonged, low-pressure spray that hits the iPhone from all angles to determine whether it can be given an IPX5.
The next test hits the iPhone with a high-pressure spray. If it survives that, the iPhone's water resistance rating will rise to IPX6. The final test involves locking the iPhone in a container and adding pressure to see if the phone can survive being submerged for an extended period of time .If this test passes, the iPhone earns an IPX8. If the dust test also passes, the phone gets an IP68.
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In addition to the water resistance tests, Brownlee also posted a video on Twitter showing the machine Apple uses to perform drop tests on iPhones. The iPhone being tested is dropped from different angles and lands on various surfaces. Extremely bright lights and camera . And another test is shaking the iPhone at specific frequencies to simulate a subway or motorcycle ride.
Despite this testing, an Apple support page notes: “Exposure of your iPhone to high-amplitude vibrations within certain frequency ranges, especially those generated by high-powered motorcycle engines, may degrade the performance of the camera system.”
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What should you do if your iPhone gets wet?
If your iPhone isn't water-resistant, the first thing you should do if it gets wet is to turn it off immediately. This will help prevent short circuits and other damage to the device's internal circuitry. Then, remove any case or protective cover from your iPhone. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of your iPhone. Don't use heat sources, such as a hair dryer or microwave, to dry your iPhone. Place your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area and let it air dry. You can also place your iPhone in a container with a desiccant, such as rice or silica gel, to absorb moisture. Avoid connecting your iPhone to a charger or using it until you're sure it's completely dry.
Source: phonearena
