Taking Your iPhone Underwater Diving: A Comprehensive Guide

Taking photos and videos underwater can be an amazing way to capture the beauty of the marine world. While dedicated underwater cameras have traditionally been the go-to choice for underwater photography, the increasing water resistance of iPhones and the availability of underwater housings have made it possible to use your iPhone for underwater photography. This article will explore the factors to consider when taking your iPhone underwater diving, the best underwater housings available, and alternative options for capturing your underwater adventures.

Understanding Your iPhone’s Water Resistance

Before taking your iPhone underwater, it’s crucial to understand its water resistance capabilities. iPhones, starting with the iPhone 7, have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that indicates their level of protection against water and dust . The IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit represents protection against solids like dust, and the second digit indicates resistance to liquids . For example, an IP68 rating, found on the iPhone X and later models, signifies complete protection against dust and the ability to withstand immersion in water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes .

It’s important to remember that these ratings are based on controlled laboratory conditions with fresh water . In real-world diving scenarios, factors like water temperature, salt water exposure, and the pressure at depth can all affect your iPhone’s water resistance .

Here’s a table summarizing the water resistance of different iPhone models: 

iPhone Model	IP Rating	Time and Depth Limits
iPhone 7 (Plus), 8 (Plus), X, Xr, SE 2	IP67	30 minutes at 1 meter deep
iPhone Xs (Max), 11	IP68	30 minutes at 2 meters deep
iPhone 11 Pro (Max)	IP68	30 minutes at 4 meters deep
iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 16 series	IP68	30 minutes at 6 meters deep

Risks of Taking Your iPhone Underwater

Even with a high IP rating and a waterproof case, there are risks to consider before taking your iPhone diving. Remember that water damage is not covered under warranty, so any damage caused by water exposure could be an expensive mishap .

Here are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Water pressure: As you descend deeper, the water pressure increases significantly. This pressure can make it difficult to use the touchscreen, and in extreme cases, it could even compromise the seals on your phone or housing, leading to leaks .
• Salt water: Salt water is corrosive and can damage the internal components of your iPhone over time . Even with a waterproof case, prolonged exposure to salt water can increase the risk of damage.
• Temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature, such as jumping into cold water after your phone has been sitting in the sun, can cause condensation and potentially affect the seals, increasing the risk of water damage.
• Accidental drops: Dropping your iPhone in the water, especially on rocks or coral, can damage the phone or its housing . Even if the case protects the phone from water, losing it at the bottom of the ocean would bring your dive to an abrupt end.
• Limited functionality: While newer iPhones have improved water resistance, their functionality underwater may still be limited. Touchscreen responsiveness can be affected by water pressure, and using the camera controls might be challenging .

It’s also a good idea to back up your iPhone before taking it underwater. While unlikely, accidents can happen, and losing all your photos and data would be a major inconvenience.

Underwater Housings for iPhones

Underwater housings provide an extra layer of protection for your iPhone, allowing you to take it to greater depths and capture higher-quality photos and videos. These housings are typically made of durable polycarbonate or aluminum and feature waterproof seals and controls that allow you to operate your iPhone underwater.

Features to Consider

When choosing an underwater housing for your iPhone, consider the following features:

• Depth rating: Make sure the housing has a depth rating that is suitable for your diving needs. If you plan on doing any deep dives, you’ll need a housing with a higher depth rating.
• Compatibility: Not all housings are created equal. Ensure the housing is compatible with your specific iPhone model to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Ergonomics and controls: Look for a housing with comfortable grips and easy-to-use controls for accessing camera functions and other features. A well-designed housing should prevent accidental button presses, especially at depth where water pressure can be an issue .
• Lens quality: The quality of the lens on the housing can significantly impact the quality of your underwater photos and videos. Look for a housing with a high-quality lens that minimizes distortion and maximizes clarity. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, boasts an impressive camera system that can capture sharper underwater images by pushing the camera lens further away from particles in the water .
• Vacuum system: Some housings feature a vacuum system that allows you to test for leaks before you even get in the water. This can give you extra peace of mind knowing that your phone is safe and secure.
• Additional features: Some housings offer extra features like external ports for connecting accessories, such as lights or lenses, to enhance your underwater photography experience.

Popular Brands

Several reputable brands offer underwater housings for iPhones. Here’s a table summarizing some of the most popular options:

Brand	Model	Depth Rating	Key Features	Price
DiveVOLK	SeaTouch 4 MAX	60m	Full touchscreen functionality, built-in depth gauge and compass	$239 - $269
ProShot	Touch 2.0	15m	Touchscreen compatible above water, compact design	$149.99
ProShot	Dive 2.0	40m	Universal case fits all iPhones, durable construction	$159.99
Kraken	KRH08	100m	Vacuum port with leak detection, ergonomic grip	$375
SeaLife	SportDiver	40m	Compatible with a wide range of iPhones, good value for money	$299

Reviews and Recommendations

Based on user reviews and expert opinions, here are some of the top-rated underwater housings for iPhones:

• DiveVOLK SeaTouch 4 MAX: This housing is praised for its full touchscreen functionality, allowing you to use all your iPhone’s features underwater just as you would on land .
• Oceanic+ Dive Housing: This housing is known for its robust build quality and integration with a dive computer app, providing valuable dive information right on your phone .
• SeaLife SportDiver: This housing offers a good balance of features, performance, and price, making it a great option for both casual and serious underwater photographers . It’s also a future-proof investment as it’s compatible with most modern smartphones, so you won’t need to buy a new housing every time you upgrade your phone .

While iPhone housings can open up a world of underwater photography possibilities, it’s important to remember that iPhones, even with the best housings, have some limitations compared to dedicated underwater cameras. For example, iPhones may not offer the same level of control over camera settings as dedicated underwater cameras, particularly with white balance and shutter speed, which can affect image quality, especially in deeper water .

Alternative Options for Underwater Photography

If you’re looking for alternatives to using your iPhone with an underwater housing, here are some options to consider:

• Dedicated underwater cameras: These cameras are specifically designed for underwater use and offer features like better image quality in low-light conditions, more robust waterproofing, and dedicated underwater modes that optimize your shots for the underwater environment . Some popular options include:

  • Olympus Tough TG-6: This compact camera is waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof, and freezeproof, making it ideal for adventurous divers. It also features excellent macro capabilities for capturing close-up shots of small marine life.
  • Canon PowerShot D30: This affordable camera is waterproof to 82 feet and offers a good balance of features and performance for casual underwater photography .

• Action cameras: Action cameras like GoPros are compact, versatile, and relatively affordable, making them suitable for various underwater activities . They are generally more durable than smartphones and can be mounted on various accessories for different perspectives. However, they may not offer the same level of image quality as dedicated underwater cameras, especially in low-light conditions.

• Underwater pouches: These pouches offer basic protection for your phone and are a more affordable option for casual underwater photography in shallow depths . However, they may not be suitable for diving and can affect image quality due to the plastic covering the lens.

Conclusion: Ready to Dive?

Taking your iPhone underwater diving can be an incredible way to capture the beauty of the marine world. However, it’s essential to understand the risks involved and take necessary precautions. Investing in a high-quality underwater housing is crucial for protecting your phone and ensuring you get the best possible photos and videos. When choosing a housing, consider your diving needs, budget, and desired features.

To recap the answers to your initial questions:

• What to notice when taking an iPhone underwater diving? The most important thing is to understand your iPhone’s water resistance limitations and the potential risks involved. Be mindful of water pressure, salt water exposure, temperature changes, and the possibility of dropping your phone.
• What to buy? If you’re serious about underwater photography with your iPhone, investing in a good underwater housing is a must. Consider the features discussed earlier, such as depth rating, compatibility, ergonomics, lens quality, and additional features, to choose the best housing for your needs.
• Are underwater housings a good choice? Yes, underwater housings are an excellent choice for protecting your iPhone and enabling you to take it to greater depths while capturing high-quality photos and videos.

If you’re passionate about underwater photography, explore alternative options like dedicated underwater cameras or action cameras, which offer some advantages over iPhones, such as better low-light performance and more robust waterproofing. With the right equipment and a little know-how, you’ll be capturing amazing underwater memories in no time!