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01IP67 vs IP68 side by side
IP67 vs IP68 comes down to one test: how far underwater the device went. Both have the same top dust rating, and both handle everyday spills and rain.
| IP67 | IP68 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dust (first digit 6) | Dust-tight | Dust-tight |
| Water test | Temporary immersion up to 1 m | Continuous immersion beyond 1 m |
| Time | 30 minutes | Set by the maker, usually 30 minutes |
| Who sets the depth? | The standard (IEC 60529) | The manufacturer |
| Typical phones | Older iPhones, some midrange phones | Most current flagships |
| Salt, chlorine, soap | Not tested | Not tested |
The catch with IP68 is that the standard doesn't fix the number. One IP68 phone might be rated for 1.5 m and another for 6 m. Always read the depth in the maker's spec sheet, not just the code. Our IP68 explainer breaks down every digit.
One more detail from the standard: IP67 is described as temporary immersion, while IP68 is continuous immersion. In practice both are tested for a fixed time, typically 30 minutes on phones, so think of the difference as depth margin rather than how long the phone can stay wet.
02Which phones are IP67 and which are IP68?
| Phone | Rating | Stated limit |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7, 8, X, XR, SE (2nd and 3rd gen) | IP67 | 1 m, 30 minutes |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, 11 | IP68 | 2 m, 30 minutes |
| iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | IP68 | 4 m, 30 minutes |
| iPhone 12 through 17 series, Air, 16e, 17e | IP68 | 6 m, 30 minutes |
| iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo | IP68 | 6 m, 30 minutes |
| Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra | IP68 | 1.5 m, 30 minutes, fresh water |
| Pixel 10 series | IP68 | No depth on Google's spec page |
Notice the jump inside the IP68 group: an iPhone 11 and an iPhone 17 share the same code but differ by 4 meters of rated depth. And if you're shopping midrange Android phones, you'll see both IP67 and IP68 on spec sheets, so check before you assume.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 is rated IP48: good against water, but only protected from solid bits over 1 mm, not dust. That's why sand at the beach is a bigger worry for a foldable than a splash.
03Real-world situations: does the difference matter?
Most water accidents happen in shallow water and last seconds. In those cases, IP67 and IP68 behave the same. The extra depth only shows up in rarer situations, and age matters more than either number.
| Situation | IP67 | IP68 | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain, splashes, wet hands | Fine | Fine | Wipe it off |
| Dropped in sink or toilet | Usually fine | Usually fine | Grab it, rinse, air-dry |
| Fell in the deep end of a pool | Risky past 1 m | Better odds | Rinse off chlorine, dry port down |
| Ocean or surf | Not covered | Not covered | Use a pouch; rinse if splashed |
| Shower, hot tub, sauna | Not covered | Not covered | Keep it out |
| Underwater photos | No | No | Use a pouch made for it |
Samsung warns that sea water and pool water aren't fresh water and can damage its phones' protection. Salt and chlorine dry into residue that wears at seals and corrodes the charging port. Apple, meanwhile, says its ratings aren't permanent and decrease with normal wear. A three-year-old IP68 phone with a few drops behind it may hold out water worse than a new IP67 one.
04IP67, IP68, or a pouch?
IP67 phone
- Handles rain, spills and sink drops
- Tested to 1 m for 30 minutes
- Treat pools and beaches with care
IP68 phone
- Same dust protection as IP67
- Deeper lab depth, 1.5 to 6 m on current phones
- Still not for swimming or salt water
Any phone + waterproof pouch
- Doesn't depend on aging seals
- Works for boats, kayaks, beach days
- Test it with a tissue inside first
Buying a new phone? A higher IP68 depth is a nice bonus, but it's rarely worth paying more for on its own. Battery life, camera and case availability matter far more day to day. If you're on an older IP67 iPhone, the bigger risk is age: seals on a phone that's several years old have been through a lot of heat cycles and drops.
We wouldn't pick a phone over IP67 vs IP68 alone. Both cover the accidents that actually happen. If water is part of the plan, a pouch is the honest answer whatever your rating says, and it costs far less than a repair that warranties typically don't cover.
Sealed pouches you can use your phone through, including a floating style for docks and boats.
05Before you take any phone near water
If it does go under, follow what to do when you drop your phone in water, and see liquid detected in charging port if you get an alert.
Questions people ask
Is IP68 better than IP67?
On water, yes. IP68 is tested beyond 1 m, while IP67 is tested up to 1 m. Dust protection is identical. In everyday accidents like sink drops and rain, you won't notice a difference.
Can an IP67 phone go in the shower?
It's not a good idea for either rating. Hot water, steam, soap and pressurized spray aren't part of the IP test, and Apple lists showering among the things to avoid.
Is IP67 OK for swimming?
No. IP67 covers short, accidental immersion up to 1 m in fresh water. Pool chlorine, movement through the water and depth changes are outside the test. Use a waterproof pouch if you want your phone in the pool.
Do IP67 and IP68 phones survive salt water?
Often for a brief dunk, but neither rating covers it. Samsung warns that sea and pool water can damage its phones' protection. Rinse the phone with tap water and dry it before charging.
What does the 7 and 8 mean in IP67 and IP68?
They're the water digit in the IEC 60529 code. 7 means temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. 8 means continuous immersion beyond 1 m under conditions the manufacturer sets.