As a swim coach in Miami with over 15 years of experience, one question I get almost daily at the pool is, “Hey coach, is it safe to swim with my Apple Watch?” It’s a great question. You’ve invested in a powerful piece of tech, and the last thing you want is to ruin it with a single lap. The simple answer is yes, you can swim with most Apple Watch models. But the devil is in the details.
Apple has done a fantastic job with water resistance, but not all models are created equal.
From the original Series 1 to the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2, the capabilities vary significantly. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know, model by model, drawing on both official Apple specs and my real-world experience coaching swimmers of all levels. We’ll cover the difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant,” what the official ratings mean for you, and practical tips to keep your watch safe in the pool and the ocean.
Let’s dive in!
Is the Apple Watch Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
First, let’s clear up a common misconception. No Apple Watch is waterproof. The correct term is water-resistant. This might sound like semantics, but it’s a crucial distinction. “Waterproof” implies a device is completely impervious to water indefinitely. “Water-resistant” means the device can resist water intrusion up to a certain depth and for a limited time.
Apple uses two main standards for its watches:
IPX7: Found on the original Apple Watch (1st generation) and Series 1. This rating means the device can handle being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s fine for rain and handwashing, but swimming is a definite no-go.
ISO Standard 22810:2010: This is the standard used for modern swim-proof watches. Apple uses two ratings from this standard:
- WR50 (Water Resistant 50 Meters): Found on Apple Watch Series 2 and newer (including all SE models and the new Series 9 and 10). This rating means the watch is suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean. It does not mean you can dive 50 meters deep with it. The pressure of movement (like a swimming stroke) increases the force on the seals.
- R100 (Water Resistant 100 Meters): Exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. This enhanced rating makes the watch suitable for high-speed water sports and even recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters (130 feet).
Think of water resistance like a protective seal. Over time, this seal can degrade, especially with exposure to soaps, lotions, and impacts. That’s why Apple states that water resistance is not a permanent condition.
Can You Swim With an Apple Watch? The Short Answer
Need a quick answer? Here’s a simple breakdown of which Apple Watch models are safe for a swim. For a detailed explanation of each, keep reading the next section.
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Apple Watch Model
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Can You Swim With It?
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Apple Watch (1st Gen) & Series 1
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No (Splash-resistant only)
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Apple Watch Series 2
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 3
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 4
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 5
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 6
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 7
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 8
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 9
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Series 10
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch SE (1st & 2nd Gen)
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Yes (Pool & Ocean Swimming)
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Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2
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Yes (Pool, Ocean, High-Speed Water Sports & Recreational Diving up to 40m)
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Swimming With Apple Watch by Model (Complete Breakdown)
Now let’s get into the specifics for each generation. Understanding your model’s exact capabilities is key to enjoying its features without risking damage.
Apple Watch Series 1 — Can You Swim With It?
The short answer is a firm no. The Apple Watch Series 1 and the original Apple Watch (1st generation) have an IPX7 rating. This makes them splash-proof and fine for washing your hands, but they are not designed to be submerged. Taking a Series 1 for a swim is a gamble I wouldn’t recommend.
Coach’s Tip: I’ve seen a few clients over the years come to the pool with a Series 1, thinking it was swim-proof. A couple of them got lucky, but one had his watch die after a single lap. It’s just not worth the risk. If you have a Series 1, keep it in your gym bag.
Apple Watch Series 2
Yes, you can! The Series 2 was a game-changer, as it was the first model Apple officially marketed as swim-proof with a WR50 rating. This is the minimum model you should consider for swimming. It introduced the built-in GPS and a brighter screen, making it the first Apple Watch truly viable for swimmers. It tracks laps, distance, and pace in both pool and open water.
Apple Watch Series 3
Yes, absolutely. The Series 3 continued the WR50 rating of the Series 2 and added a barometric altimeter and an optional cellular connection. This model is notable for introducing the option of cellular connectivity, which is huge for safety, as you could now make emergency calls from the water (cellular model required). It remains a popular, budget-friendly choice for swimmers.
Apple Watch Series 4
Yes, it’s a great swim companion. The Series 4 brought a larger display and the ECG app, but its core swimming capabilities remained the same as the Series 3 with a WR50 rating. The larger, edge-to-edge screen is the main benefit for swimmers, making it easier to see your metrics at a glance during a workout.
Apple Watch Series 5, 6, 7, and 8
Yes, all of these are excellent for swimming. From Series 5 onwards, Apple made incremental but valuable improvements. The Series 5 introduced the Always-On Display (AOD), which is fantastic for quickly checking your time or distance without having to raise your wrist—a huge plus for serious lap swimmers. The Series 6 added a blood oxygen sensor, and the Series 7 and 8 further improved screen size and durability. All of these models share the same robust WR50 water resistance, making them reliable partners for your pool or ocean workouts.
Apple Watch Series 9 — Can You Swim With It?
Yes, the Series 9 is built for swimming. It carries forward the trusted WR50 rating and all the great swim-tracking features of its predecessors. The Series 9 is one of the brightest standard models, making it easier to read under the bright sun or harsh pool lights. With the new Double Tap gesture, it’s more convenient than ever to use, though you’ll still need to use the touchscreen or Digital Crown to end a workout.
Apple Watch Series 10
Yes, the Series 10 is also swim-proof. While Apple is always innovating, the core water resistance for the standard models has been consistent for years. The Series 10 is expected to be the most refined standard swim watch yet, continuing the WR50 rating and making it perfectly safe for all your shallow-water swimming activities. Any new software features in watchOS will only enhance the experience.
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
Yes, both generations of the Apple Watch SE are great for swimming. The SE is Apple’s budget-friendly model, but they didn’t skimp on water resistance. Both the 1st and 2nd generation SE models have the same WR50 rating as the more expensive flagship models. This makes the SE arguably the best value-for-money option for anyone who wants a great fitness tracker for the water, as it offers all the core swim features without the premium price tag.
Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2
A resounding YES! The Ultra series is the king of water sports. This is where Apple went all-out. The Ultra and Ultra 2 are not just swim-proof; they are certified dive computers. This is the only Apple Watch series rated for high-speed water sports and recreational scuba diving (up to 40 meters/130 feet) thanks to its WR100 rating and EN13319 certification. If you are a serious triathlete, diver, or surfer, this is the watch for you.
Coach’s Tip: The Ultra is the watch I personally wear. The dedicated Depth app is incredible, and the screen is so bright it’s easily readable even in the murky waters we sometimes get off the Miami coast. If you’re a serious swimmer, a triathlete, or anyone who spends a lot of time in the ocean, the Ultra is worth the investment.
Swimming in a Pool vs. the Ocean — Important Differences
While your Apple Watch (Series 2 and newer) is equipped for both, swimming in a chlorinated pool and the salty ocean have different effects on your device. Here’s what you need to know.
- Chlorine (Pools): Chlorine is a chemical that can, over the long term, potentially weaken the rubber seals that ensure water resistance. While a daily swim is unlikely to cause immediate issues, it’s a key reason why rinsing your watch after every swim is crucial.
- Salt (Ocean): Salt is corrosive. When saltwater evaporates, it leaves behind salt crystals that can clog the speaker and microphone ports, and potentially degrade the watch’s seals over time. The abrasive nature of sand and salt can also cause micro-scratches.
- Waves & High Velocity: The ocean is unpredictable. A strong wave crashing down on you can exert a force far greater than that of a normal swimming stroke. This is why high-velocity water activities like surfing or water skiing are only recommended for the more robust Apple Watch Ultra.
Coach’s Tip: The number one rule I tell my swimmers is simple: Always rinse your watch with fresh, warm water after every single swim, whether it’s in a pool or the ocean. Don’t use soap. Just a gentle rinse under a tap for 15-20 seconds is enough. Then, dry it thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. This simple habit will dramatically extend the life of your watch’s water resistance.
Tips From a Professional Swim Coach (15 Years Experience in Miami)
After thousands of hours in the water with an Apple Watch on my wrist, I’ve learned a few things that aren’t in the official manual. Here are my top practical tips:
- Enable Water Lock Before You Get In: While the watch is smart enough to auto-lock during a swim workout, I always recommend enabling it manually from the Control Center before you even step in the water. This prevents any accidental taps from the shower or splashes.
- Choose the Right Band: The silicone Sport Band or Sport Loop are your best friends for swimming. They don’t absorb water and dry quickly. Leather and stainless steel bands will get ruined. I’ve seen some beautiful Hermès bands destroyed by a single dip in the pool.
- Check Your Lap Count: The Apple Watch is incredibly accurate, but sometimes in a crowded lane, a quick stop or an unusual turn might not register a lap correctly. Get in the habit of glancing at your watch every few hundred yards to ensure it’s tracking properly.
- Use the “Open Water” Workout for Ocean Swims: Don’t use the “Pool Swim” workout in the ocean. The Open Water setting uses GPS to track your distance, which is far more accurate when you don’t have fixed lap lengths. It will even map out your swim path for you to review later.
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! I’m saying it again because it’s that important. Rinsing your watch is the single most effective thing you can do to maintain its water resistance.
Common Mistakes That Damage an Apple Watch in Water
I’ve seen it all. Here are the most common ways people accidentally damage their water-resistant Apple Watch:
- Showering With Soap: The watch itself can handle the water, but the chemicals in soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can break down the gaskets and seals over time.
- Hot Tubs & Saunas: Extreme heat is the enemy of water-resistant seals. The high temperatures can cause the materials to expand and contract, creating tiny gaps. Apple specifically warns against this, only making an exception for the Ultra in saunas below 55°C (130°F).
- Impacts and Drops: Dropping your watch, even from a short height, can compromise the integrity of the case and its seals. If you’ve had a nasty drop, it’s best to be extra cautious around water.
- Using an Old, Worn-Out Band: The band helps secure the watch to your wrist. A worn-out strap could break mid-lap, sending your expensive watch to the bottom of the pool or, even worse, the ocean.
How to Enable Water Lock Mode
Water Lock is an essential feature that disables the screen to prevent accidental input while you’re in the water. It also automatically purges water from the speaker when you disable it.
To manually enable Water Lock:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your watch face to open the Control Center.
- Scroll down and tap the water drop icon (💧).
- You’ll see the water drop icon appear at the top of your screen, confirming Water Lock is active.
To disable Water Lock and eject water:
- Press and hold the Digital Crown on the side of your watch.
- Continue holding until the screen shows an unlocking animation and you hear a series of tones. These tones are vibrations that actively push water out of the speaker cavity.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can you shower with an Apple Watch?
A: While you can, Apple advises against it because soaps and shampoos can damage the water-resistant seals. If you do, rinse it with fresh water afterward.
Q: What’s the difference between WR50 and WR100?
A: WR50 (Series 2 and newer) is for shallow-water swimming. WR100 (Apple Watch Ultra) is for swimming and high-speed water sports, plus recreational diving up to 40 meters.
Q: Does the Apple Watch warranty cover water damage?
A: Generally, no. Apple’s standard warranty does not cover water damage on most models, which is why it’s so important to follow the guidelines.
Q: Can I use my Apple Watch in a hot tub?
A: No. The high temperatures can permanently damage the water-resistant seals.
Q: Is the Apple Watch SE waterproof?
A: The Apple Watch SE (both 1st and 2nd generation) is water-resistant with a WR50 rating, making it suitable for swimming in pools and the ocean. However, it’s not waterproof.
Q: Can I wear my Apple Watch in the ocean?
A: Yes, if you have Series 2 or newer. Just make sure to rinse it with fresh water immediately after your swim to remove salt and sand.
Q: Will chlorine damage my Apple Watch?
A: Chlorine can potentially weaken the seals over time, but occasional pool swimming is fine. Always rinse your watch with fresh water after swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Q: How deep can you swim with an Apple Watch?
A: Series 2 and newer (WR50) are rated for shallow-water swimming, not deep diving. The Apple Watch Ultra (WR100) can be used for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters (130 feet).
Conclusion
So, can you swim with an Apple Watch? For the vast majority of models released since 2016 (Series 2 and later), the answer is a confident yes. The Apple Watch is an incredible fitness tool for swimmers, offering detailed metrics that can genuinely help you improve.
If you love swimming, an Apple Watch can be a great training tool. Just be smart about it:
- Know your model’s rating: Series 2 or newer for swimming, Ultra for diving.
- Always use Water Lock.
- Rinse with fresh water after every swim.
- Avoid soaps, heat, and high-velocity impacts.
By following these simple rules, you can ensure your Apple Watch remains a reliable swim companion for years to come. See you at the pool!
