Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
From the pool to the tub, Apple Watches tend to stay on users’ wrists all day long. They’re also fitness trackers built to stand up to tough workouts, including in the pool. Though now replaced by the Apple Watch Series 9, older generations are still reliable gym companions. Find out if the Apple Watch Series 8 is waterproof and what conditions you should avoid to keep your wearable in working order.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 waterproof?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
While no device is truly waterproof, the Apple Watch Series 8 does boast decent water resistance. With a WR50 rating, it can withstand pressure at depths up to 50 meters. It can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming laps in a pool or ocean workouts. When you begin a swimming workout, the watch automatically enables Water Lock.
However, the Apple Watch Series 8 is not built to submerge beyond 50 meters or stand up to high-velocity water. You’ll need to invest in an Apple Watch Ultra line for scuba diving or jumping off a high board. Apple’s priciest models have a water-resistance rating of 100 meters and meet EN13319 depth standards.
What does IP6X certification mean?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is rated IP6X dust resistant. This IP rating means the device is built dust-tight and is protected from damaging particles entering the watch case.
What does WR50 water resistance mean?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
WR50 represents a wearable’s water resistance rating and indicates what conditions the device can handle. A WR50 rating means the watch is water-resistant at depths up to 50 meters. As mentioned, that also means the watch is safe for shallow swimming. Running through a neighbor’s sprinkler on a hot run is also safe (depending on your neighbors). Devices with a WR50 rating are not meant for activities like cliff diving, water skiing, or swimming beyond 50 meters deep.
One notable risk factor is steam. Apple does not recommend wearing devices with a WR50 rating in steam rooms or saunas. It’s also important to avoid exposing your watch to soap, perfumes, bug sprays, and lotions, which can degrade the wearable over time.
FAQs
The Apple Watch Series 8 is safe for showering; however, exposure to soapy water or steam can be damaging to the device.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is safe for swimming at depths of less than 50 meters.
No. While the Apple Watch Series 8 watch case is water-resistant, not all compatible bands are equally durable. Avoid exposing leather or metal Apple Watch bands to water, as these are not waterproof.
We consider the Apple Watch one of the top smartwatches you can buy. With a WR50 rating, the Series 8 is worth buying for most athletes, including swimmers. Unfortunately, the device is only compatible with iPhones, so Android users must shop for an Apple Watch alternative.
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