Is the iPhone 15 Plus Waterproof?

With its 6.7-inch, tough super-retina display, advanced dual-camera system, and all-day battery life, there's no doubt that the iPhone 15 Plus is one of the best phones on the market right now.

Like other Apple devices, it also has plenty of industry-leading durability features, from an aerospace-grade aluminium enclosure to the iPhone's signature Ceramic Shield screen. But while the phone is built to survive those clumsy drops and falls, can it last when exposed to water?

In this article, we'll explore whether or not the iPhone 15 Plus is waterproof and how you can ensure that your device truly stands the test of time.

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?

Waterproof products won't let in any moisture at all, whereas those that are water-resistant can only repel a limited amount of water, including light rain and splashes. 

To be considered water resistant, phones must be tested under controlled laboratory conditions, before being given an ingress protection rating. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an ingress protection (IP) rating grades the resistance of electrical devices against the intrusion of dust and liquids.

This rating consists of two numbers, with the first referring to a device's resistance to dust, rated 0 for no protection up to 6 for complete dust resistance. The second signals a device's resistance to water on a scale of 0 (no protection) to 9 (resistant to hot, high-velocity water from various angles).

Does the iPhone 15 Plus Have a Water Resistance Rating?

The iPhone 15 Plus has an IP68 rating under IEC Standard 60529, a system developed in 1976 to bring together all water and dust resistance requirements. This follows in the footsteps of other Apple devices, which have all achieved an IP68 rating since the iPhone 11's release in 2019.

The IP68 rating means that it can withstand submersion in fresh water up to a maximum depth of 6 metres, for 30 minutes at a time, without encountering any liquid damage. This model can also survive accidental spills from common liquids, including soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice.

In terms of dust resistance, the "6" indicates that the device is completely protected from contact with small solid particles, offering the highest level of protection against dust.

Whether you've accidentally dropped your phone into the bath, are enjoying a trip to the pool, or require a good level of water resistance through those rainy work commutes, the iPhone 15 Plus is therefore a good choice.

Is the iPhone 15 Plus Completely Waterproof?

Like many other iPhone models, including everything from the iPhone 7 to the 14 series, the iPhone 15 Plus is splash, dust, and water resistant.

So, although the iPhone 15 Plus is water resistant up to a point, it can still encounter liquid damage if exposed to deeper water for prolonged periods. The device's IP68 rating also applies only to fresh water; dropping your phone in salt water can cause irreparable damage to the internal components when left submerged for long periods.

Apple therefore advises iPhone 15 Plus users to avoid the following scenarios to keep the device fully operational:

• Taking the iPhone 15 Plus into a sauna or steam room
• Intentionally submerging the phone in water
• Operating your phone while surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or showering
• Exposing the device to high-pressure water jets
• Using your iPhone 15 Plus in extremely high temperatures or humid conditions
• Subjecting the iPhone to impacts
• Removing screws or disassembling your device
• Exposing your iPhone to harsh soaps, detergents, perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent, hair dye, or solvents

What Should I Do if My iPhone 15 Plus Gets Wet?

Even if you do your best to avoid these scenarios, accidental drops, spills, and falls can still happen. To keep your iPhone 15 Plus in good working condition, it's therefore crucial to act quickly when the device becomes exposed to any type of moisture.

If you try to connect a USB-C cable after liquid exposure, you may see a liquid-detection alert, which deactivates the charging functionality until the connector and cable ends are all dry. This stops the connector from becoming corroded and causing permanent damage to your iPhone 15 Plus device.

Follow these steps to ensure that your iPhone is completely dry before charging or using the device:

1. Turn the device off immediately to stop it from short-circuiting. Remove the case and take out the SIM tray, giving it a thorough wipe down.
2. Remove excess liquid by gently tapping the iPhone 15 Plus against your hand, with the connector facing down.
3. Place the iPhone 15 Plus in a dry area with some airflow, perhaps in front of a fan blowing directly into the USB-C connector to speed up the process. Avoid using an external heat source or inserting any foreign objects into the port.
4. Try connecting the USB-C cable again after at least 30 minutes. If the alert appears again, leave your iPhone 15 Plus to dry for another 24 hours, frequently reconnecting the charger to see if it starts to work.

For liquids other than water:

1. Rinse the exposed area with tap water.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your phone.
3. Ensure the device is completely dry before opening the SIM tray by gently tapping it against your hand to remove excess liquid.

How to Make Your iPhone 15 Plus Waterproof

Whether you're worried about accidental drops in salty ocean water or need an added layer of protection through the rain, the best way of making a significant improvement to the water resistance levels of your iPhone 15 Plus is with a waterproof phone case.

At Ghostek, our IP68-rated Nautical case offers extreme waterproof protection that ensures your iPhone 15 Plus survives in depths of water up to 20 feet deep, for as long as an hour. Along with the watertight port seal, the strong thermoplastic case also provides resistance against drops and falls from 12 feet high, plus a secure hand grip to prevent accidents in the first place.

Shop the Nautical and browse our full iPhone 15 Plus case collection today to enjoy a seamless blend of best-in-class engineering and sleek design.