WR50 and WR100 are water-resistance classifications tested under ISO 22810:2010—not promises that an Apple Watch can be taken to exactly 50 or 100 meters. WR50 models are intended for ordinary shallow-water swimming, while Apple Watch Ultra models rated WR100 add support for high-speed water sports and recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. IPX7, IP6X and IP68 are different enclosure-ingress ratings under IEC 60529 and cannot be converted directly to WR50 or WR100.
What does WR50 mean on Apple Watch?
WR50 indicates a watch water-resistance rating corresponding to 50 meters under ISO 22810:2010, the watch-focused water-resistance standard. The number describes controlled testing; it is not an authorization for unrestricted 50-meter diving.
Apple describes WR50 Apple Watch models as suitable for shallow-water activities such as swimming in a pool or ocean. Apple’s WatchKit guidance also permits showering and hot-tub use, but soap, shampoo, heat, steam, sunscreen and other chemicals can accelerate wear. Rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it afterward.
WR50 models are not intended for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water. Apple lists Series 10 and later as supporting snorkeling to 6 meters; check the exact model guidance rather than assuming every WR50 watch has that permission.
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#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
What does WR100 mean on Apple Watch Ultra?
Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 are rated WR100 under ISO 22810:2010. Ultra models also meet EN13319-related requirements and are designed for uses beyond ordinary swimming, including high-speed water sports.
Apple permits recreational scuba diving with Ultra models to 40 meters, not 100 meters. Ultra 3 specifications list a depth gauge to 40 meters. A compatible diving app may be required for scuba functions. The WR100 figure should therefore never be described as a 100-meter scuba limit.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Which Apple Watch models are WR50 or WR100?
| Apple Watch family | Classification | Apple-described water use |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation Apple Watch and Series 1 | IPX7 under IEC 60529 | Splash resistance and limited immersion; submersion is not recommended |
| Series 2 through Series 11 | WR50 under ISO 22810:2010 | Shallow-water activities, subject to model-specific restrictions |
| Apple Watch SE, SE 2 and SE 3 | WR50 under ISO 22810:2010 | Shallow-water swimming; verify the exact model guidance |
| Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 | WR100 under ISO 22810:2010 | Swimming, supported snorkeling, high-speed water sports and recreational scuba diving to 40 meters |
Apple’s current comparison information is available at Apple’s Apple Watch comparison page. A damaged, repaired or older individual watch may not retain its original resistance even if its family carries one of these classifications.
What does an IP rating mean?
An IP, or Ingress Protection, code comes from IEC 60529. It describes how an enclosure resists entry by solids and water, rather than classifying a watch under the watch-specific ISO standard.
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![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YiTby0pOL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
- The first character addresses solid-particle protection. X means that position is not stated or not rated.
- The second character identifies a defined water-ingress test.
- IPX7 specifies water protection while leaving dust protection unstated.
- IP6X specifies dust protection while leaving water protection unstated.
- IP68 specifies both, but the manufacturer must state the actual depth and duration; “8” is not a universal depth.
Apple used IPX7 for its first-generation Watch and Series 1. Later models primarily use WR50 or WR100. Dust claims such as IP6X on applicable Series 7 and later models do not replace or increase their water rating.
WR50 vs. WR100 vs. IP ratings
| Feature | WR50/WR100 | IP code |
|---|---|---|
| Primary standard | ISO 22810:2010 | IEC 60529 |
| Main context | Watches | Electrical enclosures and equipment |
| Water meaning | Watch water-resistance classification tested under specified conditions | Resistance to a defined water-ingress test |
| Dust information | Not represented by the WR number | First IP character |
| Direct conversion | None | None |
There is no technically valid universal equation such as WR50 = IPX7 or WR100 = IP68. Use Apple’s activity guidance for an Apple Watch decision, not a conversion chart.
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![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Gq8SToFJL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
What can you do with each rating?
| Activity | WR50 model | WR100 Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rain or hand washing | Generally suitable | Suitable |
| Pool or ocean swimming | Suitable when the watch is undamaged; rinse afterward | Suitable; rinse afterward |
| Shower or hot tub | Apple documentation permits it, but minimize soap, heat and chemical exposure | Same caution |
| Snorkeling | Series 10 and later: Apple states up to 6 meters; otherwise check the model | Supported within Apple’s guidance |
| Scuba diving | Not recommended | Recreational diving to 40 meters |
| Waterskiing, wakeboarding or other high-speed water sports | Not recommended | Supported by Apple |
| Below 40 meters | Not supported | Not supported |
The difference is not only depth. Fast movement, impacts and changing pressure can stress seals differently from slow swimming.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Water Lock make Apple Watch waterproof?
No. Water Lock is software, not an additional seal. It disables the touch screen to prevent accidental taps while the display is wet or submerged and helps eject water from the speaker when turned off. It does not change a WR50 or WR100 classification.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s72HIk5TL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Does the band need to be water suitable?
Yes. Apple identifies FineWoven, leather, stainless-steel Milanese and Link Bracelet bands, and certain Hermès knit bands as unsuitable or not recommended for water or workouts. A water-resistant watch paired with a non-water-suitable band is not a water-safe setup. Choose a band Apple identifies as suitable for the activity; see Apple’s band-wearing guidance.
How to protect Apple Watch water resistance
- Rinse the watch with clean, fresh water after salt water, pool water, soap, sunscreen or other substances.
- Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Do not use compressed air, a heat gun, hair dryer or objects inserted into openings.
- Keep the watch and charging surface dry before connecting the charger.
- Do not rely on the rating after a cracked screen, bent case, loose component, hard impact or unauthorized opening.
Apple says water resistance can diminish with age and normal wear and does not provide a user procedure for restoring or certifying a seal after damage. Apple’s general guidance is at Apple Support.
Choosing the right rating
- Swimming only: Series 11 or SE 3 provide WR50 protection for ordinary shallow-water swimming.
- Snorkeling: Series 10 or later models have Apple’s stated 6-meter snorkeling guidance; verify the exact model.
- Scuba diving or high-speed water sports: choose an Apple Watch Ultra family model and stay within the 40-meter recreational-diving limit.
- Any model: use a water-suitable band and treat resistance as temporary protection, not waterproofing.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: WR50 is for ordinary shallow-water use; WR100 on Apple Watch Ultra supports broader water sports and recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. Neither number is a literal dive-depth guarantee, neither converts to an IP code, and neither makes the watch permanently waterproof.
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