That means you can get them wet in certain circumstances, but water can damage them if you aren’t careful.
Are Apple AirPods 3 Waterproof?
AirPods 3 aren’t waterproof because they can sustain damage from water. To be considered waterproof, a device needs to survive prolonged contact with water, like being submerged or worn in the shower. AirPods 3 are classified as water-resistant because they can survive exposure to a small amount of water in certain circumstances.
How Waterproof Are AirPods?
AirPods 3 aren’t waterproof at all. They have the same ingress protection (IP) rating as AirPods Pro, IPX4. That means they’re water-resistant to a certain degree but not waterproof. Devices like AirPods 3 with an IPX4 rating can withstand splashes of water from any direction or angle, but they can be easily damaged by a steady stream of water or by being submerged. With an IPX4 rating, AirPods 3 don’t qualify as waterproof at all. Higher ratings provide higher levels of protection from water, and IPX7 provides protection against streams of water and submerging. AirPods 3 can withstand light splashes of water, so they’re likely to survive getting caught in the rain but unlikely to live through a dip in the pool. If AirPods 3 do get wet at all, it’s essential to thoroughly dry them before using them again or charging them. Trying to charge AirPods exposed to any water can damage them, and the same is true if the case itself gets wet. While the charging case can survive light splashes of water, it’s essential to dry it out before placing the AirPods in it to charge them.
Can You Wear AirPods 3 in the Shower?
You can’t wear AirPods in the shower. While your AirPods 3 could potentially survive in the shower if you were very careful to avoid getting water on them, they might not withstand a direct hit from the showerhead. Apple also warns water protection reduces with age, so the odds of your AirPods 3 getting damaged in the shower will only get higher over time.
Can AirPods Survive Water?
Since they have an IPX4 rating, AirPods 3 can survive water to a certain degree. They’re rated to withstand splashes of water from every direction, but not a direct stream of water, and they can’t be submerged at all. They are likely to survive short exposure to light rain, sweat, and other minor amounts of water, but only if they’re dried off immediately after. If your AirPods 3 have been subjected to a steady stream of water or submerged, then you should dry off the outside surface with a lint-free cloth and then leave them alone for at least 12 hours, or longer if you shake them and any moisture appears. If you suspect water has gotten inside your AirPods, placing them in a sealed bag with a packet of silica gel may also help.
