this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2023
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Well… for iPhones (and other smartphones) I’m not sure if anything changes. There is a exception in the regulation: if the device is waterproof, it is enough if the manufacturer or repair shops can change the battery for you. They do not need to be user replaceable.
But probably for MacBooks, there will be replaceable batteries in the future. I don’t see, how Apple will find a way around this regulation.
Apple Watch: they are waterproof —> nothing changes.
AirPods: well… are they waterproof? I don’t see user changeable batteries ever. Perhaps they will become waterproof in the future too? :) AirPods, now also for swimming and diving!
iPads: well: probably there will be changeable batteries in the future. Or we will have underwater Tablets soon. We just need another input method. Probably gestures like the VisionPro?
How is “water proof” defined in the legislation? Apple carefully says their devices are water resistant. There is a possibility that it will not qualify.
The industry standard is the IP rating: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_code The first digit is dust protection grade.
The second digit is water protection grade.
IP67 is a common consumer electronics requirement.
It's not just Apple. Almost all manufacturers offer water resistant flagship phones (and mid-rangers). ASUS, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, Sony, Samsung, Vivo, Honor...
However, the phones are NOT water-proof. From none of these (neither Apple). They are water-resistant, which is a big difference and they are just required to not be damaged if submerged underwater for 30 minutes, 1.5m, if they want IP68.
Phones and smartwatches are not resistant to condensation or water getting in – water can still get in, as they're NOT impervious (smartwatches if they have speakers), which is actually required for calling your device truly "water proof". Water resistant is literally two steps below that.
There has been some marketing claiming water proof devices. This was just wrong.