Considering that Apple’s AirTag can connect and track almost anything, does that mean it can also survive underwater? The short answer is, yes, to some extent. As with any device, knowing the IP rating and limits helps ensure that it works as intended and lasts as long as possible before it needs to be replaced. This is especially important for AirTags because its purpose is to keep track of other valuables.
AirTags offers those already invested in the Apple ecosystem an easy way to track their items. Whether it’s a key, a backpack, or anything else, once attached, the AirTag itself becomes a trackable item. This allows iPhone users to track their belongings quickly and easily through Apple’s Find My network and even get precise distance and direction information if an item is misplaced.
Whether it is a lost item or an item that is more likely to encounter water in general, there is still the question of whether the AirTag is water resistant. Overall, the AirTag has an IP67 rating, making it as dust and splash resistant as the iPhone SE. Essentially, this means that the item tracker can withstand immersion in water, but only to a maximum depth of one meter and for no more than thirty minutes. Of course, while the AirTag offers some level of protection, that doesn’t mean that the item attached to it will also survive exposure to water.
Water resistance is not equal to water resistance
While AirTags are rated to be splash, water, and dust resistant, that doesn’t mean the item tracker should be actively used in situations where dust and water are likely to be contained. These ratings are for information at the time of the event and are not a general rule for dusty or watery environments. Not to mention, those IP ratings aren’t always the same. As devices age, their tendency to resist dust and water diminishes. This condition is more likely to cause a greater degree of wear and tear on equipment that is used frequently.
Overall, someone buying an AirTag shouldn’t automatically consider its water resistance something they can take advantage of on a daily basis. Instead, it should be seen as a protective measure against possible encounters with water. For example, if the key is dropped in the sink or toilet, the AirTag will still work. Likewise, if the backpack is lost and somehow falls into the water, the AirTag is probably fine, as long as it’s not too deep or too long. Furthermore, AirTag will remain secure enough to allow owners to use Apple’s tracking feature to locate and retrieve backpacks.
Source: Apple