Can an iPhone 15 Pro Max safely film underwater for 10–15 minutes?
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MellowPine47
I'm planning a very low-budget short film and one scene may need underwater footage in a swimming pool. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is rated IP68 and advertised as surviving up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. Is it realistic to rely on that rating for 10–15 minutes of filming, or should I use additional protection?
Answers
The phone might survive it if its seals are still perfect, but the rating is based on controlled laboratory testing with a new device. Apple does not guarantee liquid-damage repairs, so filming underwater with the bare phone is a pretty expensive gamble.
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The water resistance can be compromised if the phone has ever been opened for a battery, camera, or other repair. Even without repairs, seals and adhesives can wear down, and dust or grit may affect them over time.
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Use a proper waterproof phone housing or underwater case instead of relying on the built-in rating. If possible, borrowing or renting an action camera would be a safer filming option, since those are designed for underwater use.
MellowPine47: I may look into a waterproof case or rental, since my usual action-camera option is no longer available.
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MellowPine47: That makes sense. I was hoping the rating would be enough, but I’d rather not risk losing the phone over one shot.