What's the difference between IP67 and IP68?

When looking at the IP rating, the '6' and the '7' or '8' are actually two different numbers. In the rating, the first number refers to a product's protection against solid matter, while the second number deals with liquid. Under solid protection, a rating of '6' means that the product is protected against harmful dust and other particulates.

Under liquid protection, a rating of '8,' the highest available, means that the device is protected from immersion in water deeper than one meter for 30 minutes. In the case of the iPhone XS, it means two meters.

Apple has introduced new versions of the iPhone: the iPhone XS and the iPhone XR. There's also the iPhone XS Max, but in terms of IP rating, it's the same as the smaller iPhone XS. In the case of Apple's latest iPhones, the difference between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS is the matter of a meter.

The iPhone XS, with an IP68 rating, is protected from both harmful dust and submersion in water up to two meters deep for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR has an IP67 rating, meaning that it's protected from harmful dust, as well as submersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

It's worth noting that previous iPhones, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X all had IP67 ratings, as did the iPhone 7. So if you own any of these phones, want to upgrade, and have found that your previous device's protection was enough for you, you might want to consider the iPhone XR, which goes up for pre-order on October 19.

If, however, you want that extra meter of protection, you'll want to check out the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max.

When talking about this subject, it's important to note that we're actually talking about water resistance, not waterproofing. Saying something is waterproof would imply that water can't damage it or get inside it. That's simply not true for these phones. After being submerged for about 30 minutes, water can start to get into the device itself.

For most people, the difference in IP ratings probably won't be enough to sway their purchase. But if you spend a lot of time around water with your iPhone, that rating might make all the difference as to whether your iPhone survives a plunge or is forever consigned to the briny deep.