Skip to content 
Is The iPhone 11 Pro Max Waterproof? Here’s The Details…
Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max waterproof? And, if so, just how waterproof is the phone? Here’s everything you need to know…
Quick Answer
- 💧 The iPhone 11 Pro Max is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 4 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.
FAQs: iPhone 11 Pro Max Details
- 📅 Release Date: The iPhone 11 series came out on September 20, 2019.
- 💰 Cost in 2023: The price varies based on the condition and storage capacity, but typically ranges from $400 to $600 for refurbished models.
Is The iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth Buying?
No, not anymore: it lacks 5G and its camera system, while impressive, is now starting to show its age.
What You Should Get Instead…
If you want the full power of an Apple flagship iPhone but don’t want to pay the premium, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is perhaps one of the best value for money options on the market right now. Here’s why:
- 📸 Stunning Photography: Capture life’s moments with unparalleled clarity, thanks to its advanced camera system.
- 🚀 Powerful Performance: Experience smooth, fast, and efficient performance, ideal for multitasking and gaming.
- 🎥 Cinematic Video Quality: Create professional-level videos with ease.
- 🔋 Long-Lasting Battery Life: Stay connected longer without frequent charging.
- 💎 Premium Design: Flaunt a sleek and modern look that stands out.
- 🌐 5G Connectivity: Enjoy blazing-fast internet speeds wherever you go.
- 🌈 Vivid Display: Immerse yourself in a vibrant and crystal-clear screen, perfect for streaming and browsing.
Is The iPhone 11 Pro Max Waterproof?
Apple’s iPhones were pretty late to the waterproofing party; Android phones were doing it years before iPhone.
But since about 2016, all iPhones have had some sort of waterproofing and/or resistance.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max – like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro – has a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529. Apple’s iPhone 12 also has the exact same IP Rating too – this includes all models as well, not just the Pro and Pro Max.
What does this mean? It means it can withstand being submerged underwater (up to four meters) for up to 30 minutes.
This means, should you drop your iPhone 11 Pro Max in the pool or the bath, you can technically leave it for 30 minutes and it’ll still work just fine.
iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip to perform the most demanding tasks, while getting through an entire day on a single charge, and is designed to withstand the elements with improved water resistance.
Apple
The iPhone 11 Pro Max isn’t just waterproof though, it is also dust resistant as well. With its IP68 rating, you’re covered for the following:
- Protected from total dust ingress
- Protected from long term immersion up to a specified pressure
I would, however, always proceed with caution. Apple has gotten itself into hot water a few times about its claims over just how waterproof the iPhone 11 actually is.
In my experience, water is not your iPhone’s friend – even if you have an IP68 rating.
A Personal Account: When Water Resistance Doesn’t Hold Up
Here’s a real-life scenario that might make you think twice about your iPhone’s water resistance capabilities.
My iPhone XS Max, a device known for its robust build, met its untimely demise due to a mere splash of water paired with warm outdoor conditions. The tragedy struck the FACE ID sensor, where condensation crept in, leading to irreversible damage.
Drawing parallels, the iPhone XR, with its slightly lower IP67 rating, suggests a reduced level of water resistance compared to the XS series. This rating indicates that the XR might be even more vulnerable to water-related mishaps.
The Bottom Line: Given these insights, it becomes clear that exercising caution around water with your iPhone 11 Pro Max is more than just a precaution – it’s a necessity. While these devices boast significant resistance on paper, real-world incidents remind us that they are not infallible.
Protecting your investment from water exposure, regardless of its advertised resistance level, is a smart move for any iPhone user.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max’s Water and Dust Resistance: A Closer Look
When it comes to water and dust resistance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max stands out with its impressive IP68 rating – the pinnacle of what smartphones can achieve in this arena. In theory, this means the device can bravely endure underwater adventures for up to 30 minutes without a hitch.
But here’s the twist: despite this top-tier rating, real-world experiences have sometimes painted a different picture. Apple has faced legal challenges where the water resistance claims of new iPhones, including the 11 Pro Max, were put to the test – and the results weren’t always dry and damage-free. These instances serve as a cautionary tale.
The Takeaway: While the iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts robust water and dust resistance on paper, it’s wise to tread carefully. Keeping your phone shielded from aquatic escapades might be the safer bet to ensure its longevity. After all, when it comes to technology, it’s often better to play it safe than sorry.
The Product was manufactured, labeled and sold by defendant and expressly and impliedly warranted to plaintiff and class members that it possessed protective and resistant qualities with respect to waters and liquids which it did not
Smith v Apple, class action complaint
My advice would be this: either get yourself a decent iPhone case or just pretend your iPhone 11 Pro Max isn’t water-resistant and do your best to keep it away from all water sources.
If you do this, you’ll never have to worry about potentially breaking your iPhone or some of its components (like I did) through exposure to water or liquid.
Keep Reading
Explore more →
