GoKawiilRetro Test Revisits Apple's First Water-Resistant iPhone 7 Pool Dunk
A CNET editor recalls testing the iPhone 7's IP67 water resistance rating a decade ago by submerging it in a swimming pool beyond Apple's recommended limits. The phone largely survived the dunk with minor cosmetic damage, marking a major shift from earlier iPhones that could be ruined by any water exposure.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The test underscores a common misconception: surviving submersion doesn't mean a phone is unscathed, since chlorine and saltwater can corrode internal components over time, shortening device lifespan even without immediate failure. It also highlights that Apple's warranty doesn't cover water damage, so consumers who push devices past their rated limits do so at their own financial risk.
- The iPhone 7 was Apple's first water-resistant model, rated IP67 for 30 minutes in 1 meter of water.
- Surviving a dunk doesn't mean no damage—pool chlorine and saltwater can corrode phone internals over time.
- Apple's warranty does not cover water damage, even if a device appears to function normally afterward.
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See JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Patrick Holland, 2026-08-31
Published there as: “Just How Water-Resistant Is Apple’s iPhone? I Tested It in My Swimming Pool”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.