Is The Apple Watch SE Waterproof Or Water Resistant? What's The Difference Anyway?

In 2022, Apple reintroduced the Apple Watch SE, offering its second-generation take on a quality smartwatch for a fraction of the cost, starting at $249. Of course, there are some differences between the Apple Watch SE 2 and the company's other models, but many of Apple's most important smartwatch features made it to the SE, including its water-resistance.

Yes, the Apple Watch SE is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Understandably, the difference between the two phrases is a bit confusing, but if you plan on swimming with your SE, you should be fine. 

Apple says the cheaper smartwatch has a water-resistance rating of 50 meters, which means you can use it for recreational, shallow-water activities. Whether it's a pool or the ocean, swimming shouldn't hurt your Apple Watch SE. However, do not take it scuba diving. Just because it has a water resistance rating of 50 meters does not mean it will always survive 50 meters (164 feet) underwater.

In hopes of clearing things up, all Apple Watches are water-resistant. No model is waterproof, even the tougher and more capable $799 Apple Watch Ultra line, which the company says has twice the water-resistance rating of the SE, at 100 meters. So don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise. Submerging your Apple Watch SE in anything more than shallow water could cause extensive damage.

The difference between waterproof and water-resistant is confusing. And with an expensive piece of tech like the Apple Watch, you don't want to take any chances, so what exactly is the difference between the two?

Water-resistance is something that can withstand contact with water for a certain time but will ultimately succumb to prolonged exposure. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) created ISO 22810:2010, a global standard of minimum requirements for watches to meet before they can be labeled "water-resistant." The Apple Watch SE meets this standard, making it water resistant for shallow water activities.

On the other hand, waterproof describes something that is not penetrable by water or moisture and will not leak after contact. The ISO doesn't publish waterproofing standards for technology, in part because it's more or less impossible.

So, what can an Apple Watch SE withstand with its water resistance? It'll do just fine in day-to-day activities like exercising, walking in the rain, and washing your hands. Any other quick exposures to water (like getting splashed at the pool) won't hurt it, but be aware of the risks if you do anything more for an extended time.