The Apple gadgets, such as the iPhone and various audio gear like AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, are known for their premium quality and high prices, which have garnered them a dedicated fan base. However, when it comes to the safety of these devices, it's important to consider their resistance to water.
Electronic gadgets and water don't mix well, and exposure to water can seriously damage them if they lack protection. Today, we're discussing the water resistance capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2.
Are they waterproof, water-resistant, and suitable for use in heavy rain or during workouts? Can you submerge the AirPods Pro 2 in water? If you own AirPods Pro 2 or any other Apple audio gear, such as AirPods Max or AirPods Pro, this post is for you. It's also helpful if you're considering buying these Apple audio devices.
When experimenting with more affordable audio equipment, any damage incurred won't have a significant financial impact. However, if you're considering the AirPods Pro 2, which retail for $249 and include a MagSafe Charging Case, any susceptibility to rain and sweat could prove costly.
The same applies to the AirPods Max, Apple's premium over-ear headphones. This also holds true for other high-end Apple audio gear. Let's take a closer look at each one to evaluate their waterproof or water-resistant capabilities.
What is IP rating & IP rating of Airpods Pro 2?
Before purchasing any audio gear, especially if you are buying them for outdoor use like workouts or traveling, it's important to check the IP rating of the device. What's an IP rating? An IP (Ingress Protection) rating specifies the device's ability to withstand water or its ability to work smoothly even after coming into contact with water.
It's interesting to note that the IP rating for the upgraded version of AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case is IP54, while the older version is just IPX4 rated. This difference is significant, as the new version not only has water resistance but also dust protection ability. check this support document to know more.
What is IP54 rating?
IP54 means limited protection from dust and protection against low-pressure water jets. If you check an IP rating chart in our previous article, you will get the meaning of digits 5 and 4.
Here 5 denotes the level of protection against solid and 4 for protection against water. does that mean Airpods Pro 2 is waterproof? no, it's just water-resistant audio gear and not made for heavy rain or sinking them into water.
If you're thinking of getting the AirPods Pro 2 for workouts or outdoor use, it's fine to use them in light rain, but avoid using them in heavy rain and keep them away from swimming pools or showers.
There are plenty of waterproof headphones available on the market, but the AirPods Pro 2 are not one of them. It's important to note that the charging case of the AirPods Pro 2 is also dust and water-resistant.
Now, let's take a look at the IP ratings of some other AirPods models
AirPods Pro: These earbuds are IPX4 rated, which means they have no protection from dust but are protected from light water jet spray from all directions.
AirPods Pro 2: These earbuds are IP54 rated, offering moderate protection against dust and water. They are an upgraded version of the AirPods Pro 2 and come with a water-resistant MagSafe Charging Case. Please note that this is an upgraded version of the AirPods Pro 2, as the previous version was IPX4 rated.
AirPods Max: These are Apple's first over-ear headphones, priced at over $400, with excellent sound and design, but unfortunately, they have no IP rating. This means the AirPods Max are not waterproof, dustproof, or water-resistant. It would not be advisable to use them in heavy rain.
Airpods 1st and 2nd has no IP rating whereas Airpods 3 is IPX4 rated.
Conclusion
When buying headphones, it's important to do some research and choose wisely based on your specific needs. For indoor use, you may not need waterproof or water-resistant headphones, but the same isn't true for workout and outdoor use.
If you're considering premium headphones like Airpods Pro 2, you need to take extra care. The Airpods Pro 2 is an IP54 rated device, meaning it can withstand moderate dust and water.
Its upgraded charging case is also water-resistant. If you're buying AirPods Pro 2 or any Airpod model, note that Apple hasn't made any waterproof headphones yet. A waterproof device would have an IP rating higher than IPX7. Therefore, avoid using them in heavy rain or submerging them in water, as you may regret it later.