The iPad Pro is the most powerful tablet that you can buy in 2022, and you don’t have to be an Apple fan to agree with that. Tablets have become such an integral part of our lives, we take them everywhere with us — on vacation, on flights, and some brave people even take them into the shower, or to the pool, which raises the question: is iPad Pro waterproof?
Is iPad Pro Waterproof?
Well, the short answer to ‘is iPad Pro waterproof?’ is no, the iPad Pro is definitely not waterproof. Let alone not waterproof, the iPad Pro is not even water-resistant. And this applies to any iPad you may own, including the 11-inch or the 12.9-inch Pro model launched last year.
Many people mistakenly assume that iPads are waterproof, thanks to slow-mo ads from Apple showing the iPhone splashing into water with the flawless form of an Olympic diver. So if you were planning on snorkeling or even spelunking with your tablet, you may have to put those plans on hold until you read through the rest of this post!
Which iPad is waterproof?
While the new iPhone 13 and its Pro and Max versions come with an IP68 rating, Apple has not provided any such specs for the iPad Pro models. This is a clear indication that they want you to keep your tablets far away from any kind of water, to avoid damage. Many people believe that iPads are secretly waterproof and that Apple doesn’t state it explicitly.
But that could not be further from the truth. A simple way to check this is to watch water test videos for iPads on YouTube. Almost all the iPads being tested tend to get damaged within a minute of being submerged or even when held under running water. We hope future iPads will be waterproof, as Apple has yet to release a waterproof or water-resistant tablet. This is clearly indicated by the lack of an IP rating for any iPad.
What does IP Rating mean?
The need for an IP rating, or ingress protection rating, arose from the ambiguity of the term ‘waterproof,’ as it holds different meanings for different folks. For example, calling a device waterproof could either mean it can survive light rain or that you can leave it underwater for an hour and not face issues.
The International Electrotechnical Commission uses standardized tests that a device must undergo before assigning an IP rating to clear the confusion. Take, for example, the iPhone 13 Pro. This device comes with an IP68 rating, which tells us that not only can it survive a maximum depth of 1.5 meters underwater for up to 30 minutes, but it can also withstand sand and dust.
Keep your iPad away from water
As they say, prevention is the best cure. That wisdom applies here, as the best way to protect your iPad Pro from water damage is to keep it away from water in the first place. And always look for alternatives — for example, a lot of people love listening to music in the shower, but a waterproof speaker can do the trick here, instead of your expensive iPad Pro.
While the iPad Pro may not be waterproof or water-resistant, it’s perfectly fine if a few droplets of water or juice fall on the screen, as you can wipe them away. Problems arise only when you take your iPad into the shower or if you accidentally drop the tablet in water — the speaker grill and charging port will not be able to keep the water from entering the body of the iPad Pro.
Get a waterproof case for your iPad
While the best way to protect your iPad from accidental water damage would be to keep it away from water, there are ways you can avoid liquids from messing with your favorite tablet. One good option is to buy a waterproof case, and there are many good options available online.
Take for example, this waterproof case for the 11-inch iPad Pro, which not only promises to protect your tablet from water but also comes with a stand ring and a built-in pen holder. There are similar options for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro; here is a waterproof case offering a reinforcement frame and a scratch-resistant back panel.
There are some affordable options, like a dry bag pouch, a generic waterproof bag in which you can safely store your iPad Pro. These bags allow you to operate your iPad even when they’re inside the bag and feature a fairly reliable airtight seal.
Dropped my iPad Pro in water: Now what?
Let’s say you were extra careful but still managed to dunk your iPad in water, can you still salvage your tablet? It’s not a great situation to be in, but there are a couple of things you can try. The first thing to do is to turn it off if possible because the last thing you want is the circuitry alive and running while the iPad is soaking wet.
The next step would be to let it dry, for at least a day. Keep your iPad in a ventilated area, and then try to power it on. If you’re lucky, it might start right up, but if it doesn’t, you will have to take it in for repairs. This brings us to a pro-tip to minimize your losses, in case you do get your iPad wet: AppleCare+ for your device.
Also Read: What to do if you get your tablet/iPad wet?
AppleCare+ for iPad Pro: Worth the money?
The best way to protect yourself from any kind of serious damage to your iPad Pro would be to get AppleCare protection when you initially purchase your device. Not only will Apple have your back if you get the iPad wet, but it also protects you from other possible problems like accidental drops or cracking the screen.
And while each new iPad may be stronger than the last, no matter how good the build quality is, there’s a high chance we could be careless and leave them lying on a couch or a bed, where we could accidentally sit on them. It’s also not uncommon to read about people leaving iPads in their hot cars and finding their devices damaged.
AppleCare offers peace of mind and is genuinely a good idea, given how expensive Apple devices are. If you do decide to pay for AppleCare, make sure you go through the terms and conditions carefully to see what it covers and what it does not. Go ahead and compare it with the standard warranty as well to see the benefits of opting for AppleCare.
Why aren’t iPads water-resistant?
We know that our iPhones improve each year when it comes to water resistance, so why don’t we have a waterproof iPad yet? It’s a fair question, and the honest answer here is that Apple has not felt the need for it yet. The biggest reason the iPhone has seen such rapid evolution is that our phones are indispensable and always travel with us, and are far more likely to face water damage than an iPad.
Making the iPad waterproof is not just about adding a few rubber seals. It would increase the overhead costs in the manufacturing process, which would translate into a price markup for the iPads, making them more expensive. Apple would avoid this, as pricing is something the Cupertino-based firm frequently gets flak for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are iPads waterproof 2022?
No, there are no iPads or iPad Pro models in 2020 that are waterproof or water-resistant in any way, unlike the iPhone 13, which carries an IP68 rating.
Can water ruin your iPad?
Water can definitely ruin your iPad, and while a few drops on your screen may not damage it, anything more could likely ruin your tablet.
Can I take my iPad in the shower?
It’s a bad idea to use your iPad in the shower as water entering the ports of buttons can damage your device and void your warranty. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence online of steam damaging iPads and affecting the circuitry.
Is iPad Pro 2018 waterproof?
The iPad Pro 2018 does not claim to carry any IP rating and is therefore not waterproof or water-resistant. You can still use the device by sealing it in a waterproof case, but without adequate protection, there is a strong chance your device could be damaged.
Conclusion
In short, while your iPad Pro is packed to the brim with performance specs and has a lot of fantastic features, resisting water incursions is not one of its qualities. So until the day Apple assigns an IP rating for an iPad, you’ll need to remember is that your iPad Pro is not waterproof.
But if you’re someone who played around too much and got your iPad soaking wet, we want to hear your story in the comments!
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