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Ever since the launch of the Apple Watches back in 2015, they have grown to become one of the most premium watches worldwide. The latest line introduced in this collection is the Apple Watch Series 9, which was revealed during Apple’s Wonderlust event in 2023 and will be available from September 22, 2023. The Series 9 lets you manage notifications, receive calls, send messages, etc., without needing your iPhone. But is the Apple Watch 9 waterproof?
Is the Apple Watch 9 Waterproof?
The Apple Watch 9 is not waterproof, but it does come with a water-resistance rating of 50 meters, according to ISO standard 22810:2010. This means the device is designed to withstand sweat, handwashing, and even some shallow-water activities like swimming.
Understanding the water-resistance rating
The water-resistance rating of 50 meters doesn’t mean you can dive 50 meters deep into the ocean with it. Rather, it’s an indication of how well the smartwatch can handle water pressure equivalent to that depth. This makes it suitable for swimming workouts, but not for high-speed water sports like water-skiing.
Water Lock feature
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch 9 is the Water Lock feature. This function prevents accidental screen activations from water splashes. It’s automatically activated when you start a water-based workout, but you can also manually enable it from the Control Center.
Limitations in water use
While the Apple Watch 9 is water-resistant, it’s not advisable to wear it for extended periods in the water. For instance, it’s not suitable for water-skiing, scuba diving, or entering steam rooms and saunas. Chemicals in pools, as well as salt in the ocean, can also affect the water resistance of the device over time. Even shampoos and soaps during a shower can impact the watch’s water resistance.
The Apple Watch Ultra: A step-up
If you’re looking for something more robust, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, making it suitable for more intense water activities, including scuba diving up to 40 meters.
Strap and Watch Face considerations
The type of strap you use can also influence your experience. While the watch face is designed to handle water exposure, certain straps may not be as resilient. Always ensure that your strap is compatible with your planned water activities.
WatchOS and Water Resistance
The water resistance of the Apple Watch 9 is also supported by its operating system, watchOS, which includes features designed to track your swimming workout and other shallow-water activities effectively.
By understanding these features and limitations, you can make the most out of your Apple Watch 9’s water-resistance capabilities without risking damage to the device.
Is the Apple Watch 9 dust resistant?
All the Apple watches since Series 7 are IPX6 dust resistant. This means that even the Apple Watch Series 9 is dust-resistant.
Can I participate in high-speed water sports while wearing the Apple Watch 9?
You cannot participate in high-speed water sports while wearing the Apple Watch 9 because it is only 50 meters water-resistant and does not resist pressure.
