iPhone 12 Remains Fully Operational Despite Months of Submersion in River
It is common knowledge that Apple smartphones today are waterproof and can easily withstand immersion in shallow water or use during rain. However, this protection becomes ineffective when they are submerged in deep water, as they are not rated to withstand the high atmospheric pressure found in deep bodies of water such as rivers and oceans.
In a surprising case reported by Apple Insider, the iPhone 12 was found in perfect working order after being submerged for three months in the Stanislaus River in Northern California, covered in algae due to prolonged underwater exposure.
For those unfamiliar, the iPhone 12 is IP68 rated, meaning it can be submerged in fresh water up to 6 meters for just 30 minutes. This makes finding a model in working order after three months rather surprising.
Diver Lee, who found the iPhone, cleaned it and set it aside for a few days. Later, after downloading, he found that it was working and there was no password or biometric lock. He could tell it had been in the water for nearly three months, considering the last photos and videos were taken that long ago, and on the Stanislaus River itself. The diver plans to return it to the owner, but so far has only found a few contacts on the phone.
It’s important to note that intentional submersion is not recommended, as Apple does not warrant water damage. In some cases, like this one, the seals and water damage protection remain intact, keeping the phone protected for a longer period of time. However, such cases are rare, especially when the phone is dropped into deep water.
So, unless you can afford to lose your phone, never submerge your iPhone or any other waterproof device in water. Occasional splashes and rain should be fine though.
