The AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium wireless earbuds that offer active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ, and spatial audio. They are also the first AirPods to be rated for water and sweat resistance, with a rating of IPX4. But what does this rating mean, and how waterproof are the AirPods Pro? Here are some answers to your questions.
| IPX Rating | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| IPX0 | No protection from water or dust | Most electronics without any water resistance |
| IPX1 | Protection from dripping water | A lamp or a clock |
| IPX2 | Protection from dripping water at an angle | A TV remote or a keyboard |
| IPX3 | Protection from spraying water | A shower head or a faucet |
| IPX4 | Protection from splashing water | AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), some headphones and speakers |
| IPX5 | Protection from water jets | A garden hose or a sprinkler |
| IPX6 | Protection from powerful water jets | A pressure washer or a wave |
| IPX7 | Protection from immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes | Some smartphones and earbuds |
| IPX8 | Protection from immersion in water deeper than 1 meter for a specified time | Some smartwatches and fitness trackers |
What Is the IPX Rating?
The IPX rating is an international standard that measures the degree of protection that an electrical device has against water intrusion. The IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the X stands for the level of water resistance. The higher the X number, the more resistant the device is to water.
The IPX rating has two digits: the first digit indicates the protection against solid objects, such as dust or dirt, and the second digit indicates the protection against liquids, such as water or sweat. The first digit can range from 0 to 6, and the second digit can range from 0 to 9. For example, a device with an IP67 rating is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
The AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, which means that they have no protection against solid objects (hence the X), but they have protection against splashing water from any direction. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which developed the rating system, this means that:
- Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect
- The test duration is 10 minutes
- The water volume is 10 liters per minute
- The pressure is 80-100 kN/m2
How Well Do They Handle Water Exposure?
Based on their IPX4 rating, the AirPods Pro are designed to handle water exposure in scenarios such as:
- Sweating during workouts or physical activities
- Light rain or snow
- Accidental splashes from sinks, faucets, or showers
- Cleaning with a damp cloth
However, they are not designed to handle water exposure in scenarios such as:
- Swimming or submerging in water
- Heavy rain or storms
- Washing machines or dryers
- Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergents, acids, or other chemicals
What Are the Limitations and Precautions?
The IPX4 rating of the AirPods Pro is not a permanent condition. It may diminish over time due to normal wear and tear, damage, or other factors. Therefore, you should take some precautions when using them in wet environments or during water-related activities, such as:
- Don’t place them under running water or immerse them in water
- Don’t expose them to high-pressure or high-velocity water
- Don’t drop them or subject them to impacts
- Don’t use heat or compressed air to dry them
- Wipe them clean with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after exposure to water
- Allow them to completely dry before using them or placing them in the charging case
- Don’t use them with damaged or wet cables or accessories
It’s also important to note that only the earbuds are rated for water resistance. The charging case is not water-resistant or waterproof at all. You should keep it away from any sources of moisture and clean it with a dry cloth if it gets wet.
What Are Some Real-World Tests and Experiences?
The IPX4 rating of the AirPods Pro is based on laboratory tests conducted by Apple under controlled conditions. However, real-world conditions may vary depending on your location, device, usage, and other factors. Therefore, you should not rely solely on the rating to determine how well your AirPods Pro will perform in water-prone situations.
There are some real-world tests and user experiences that demonstrate the water resistance performance of the AirPods Pro. For example:
- A YouTube video by EverythingApplePro showed that the AirPods Pro survived being submerged in 1 meter of water for 5 minutes without any noticeable damage or malfunction.
- A Reddit post by u/ChaseFromBase showed that the AirPods Pro survived being accidentally washed and dried in a laundry cycle without any noticeable damage or malfunction.
- A CNET article by David Carnoy showed that the AirPods Pro survived being exposed to heavy rain during a bike ride without any noticeable damage or malfunction.
However, these tests and experiences are not conclusive or representative of all possible scenarios. They also do not guarantee that your AirPods Pro will have the same results. Therefore, you should consider the following factors when using your AirPods Pro in water-prone situations:
- The frequency and duration of water exposure
- The type and temperature of water
- The age and condition of your AirPods Pro
- The warranty and service coverage of your AirPods Pro
Conclusion
The AirPods Pro are the first AirPods to be rated for water and sweat resistance, with a rating of IPX4. This means that they can handle water splashes from any direction, but they are not waterproof or submersible. They are designed to withstand scenarios such as sweating, light rain, or accidental splashes, but they are not designed to withstand scenarios such as swimming, heavy rain, or washing. They also have some limitations and precautions that you should follow to avoid damage or malfunction. They may perform differently in real-world conditions depending on various factors. You should also check the warranty and service coverage of your AirPods Pro before using them in wet environments or during water-related activities.