What is IP67 in iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X?

Cupertino just witnessed the most awaited event of 2017, the launch of Apple’s highly awaited —the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X.

Amongst the glorifying features revealed at the event, the most talked about was the IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529 which is common with all three models. In case you’re still confused about what it is, let us take an in-depth look at it.

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WHAT IS IEC 60529?

IEC 60529 is a set of standard rules and regulations published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Every electrical device must pass this and the results then decide the IP ratings for dust and water resistance.

To Quote The Standard:

“This standard describes a system for classifying the degrees of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment for two conditions: 1) the protection of persons against access to hazardous parts and protection of equipment against the ingress of solid foreign objects and 2) the ingress of water. The degree of protection against these two conditions is designated by an IP Code.”

— National Electrical Manufacturers Association, IEC 60529

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IP Code:

The “IP Code” means “Ingress Protection.” It simply shows how well an electrical device is guarded against hazardous elements like water and dust.

So now as we know what IP stands for, let’s discuss what the following numbers stand for. Interestingly, these numbers represent two individual ratings.

The first number represents the rating in accordance to how an electrical device is protected against solid particles like dust. The second number represents the rating in accordance with the protection against water.

Having said that, we can take these two digits as ratings that define the phone as dust proof and waterproof.

Apple’s newly launched phones have earned the IP67 rating under the IEC 60529 standard. Let’s now see what this rating means in detail:

IP: As said earlier IP stands for “Ingress Protection.”

6: After the IP prefix, the first number i.e. 6 signifies that both the phones are totally dustproof.

7: The second number i.e. 7, means both the devices can by protected when submerged in water as deep as 1 meter for a maximum time limit of 30 minutes.

Know when we know what the rating is all about, it is clear that the iOS devices will easily withstand dust and water.

However, there are other factors that should be taken care of. Things like saltwater and chlorine are few factors that pose definite damage to your iOS device. So, to escape from spending those extra bucks, try not to drop your phone in a pool, as these damages will perhaps not be sheltered under the warranty.

“iPhone X is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.”

— Apple’s iPhone X water-resistance fine print

This is another important information stated by Apple saying that any of the new iOS devices if wet, should never be kept for charging.

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Agreed, spending a huge amount of money delivers quality iOS products, but it is always recommended to use the iPhone with care. Also, it is never recommended to test the phone beyond its limit since it will only damage your phone.