Our lives often revolve around our iPhones. They are our watches, our communication tools, our maps, our news sources, where we play games, and our way of capturing life through photos and video! Taking your iPhone underwater can be daunting, but it also opens you up to a world of possibility. It enables you to seamlessly capture your underwater diving and snorkeling experiences without needing a professional underwater camera. There are some incredible underwater iPhone cases available that are safe, secure, and effective. But with new ones on the market every day, you may not know how to choose the best underwater iPhone case for your needs.
After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing an underwater phone case to capture the best high-quality images and videos and ensure your phone stays safe and dry!
Shallow water underwater iPhone case vs. deep water iPhone case
Just because an underwater iPhone case is waterproof doesn’t mean it’s without limitations. An underwater iPhone case that is good for snorkeling or taking photos in the rain may not be suited for the depth and pressure of deep-sea scuba diving (in fact, it likely isn’t). Every underwater housing will have a depth rating based on the pressure it can withstand. So, the first thing you’ll want to look for is a depth rating that is suited to what you intend to use it for.
One of the most common waterproof cases you will see are phone pouches, and while most allow you to still operate your touchscreen, they are not designed to take photos. These pouches will keep your phone dry when you’re doing activities near water or where you might get wet, such as on a speed boat or kayaking, but they are not for use underwater.
Shallow water iPhone cases
If you’re going to be snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, or freediving no deeper than 15 meters (50 feet), then an underwater iPhone case like the ProShot Touch Case is the perfect option. These cases are tailored to your iPhone model, so they will fit snugly to ensure no water penetrates the case and no air is trapped. They are also designed to allow you to have full use of your touchscreen so you can still use your phone camera like usual to activate your camera. So, ensure that you always check that you can still use your phone functions within the case if you intend to use it to shoot underwater content.
Deep water iPhone cases
If you want an underwater iPhone case that you can dive with, there are some additional features to look for. The depth rating is the first and most important thing to look at when choosing a deep-water iPhone case. There are underwater housings, like the ProShot Dive Case, rated up to 40 meters (130 feet), which are perfect for reef dives, wreck dives, and
capturing all the marine life that lives there. If you’re looking for a versatile option that can be used when snorkeling and diving, then a deep-water iPhone case is likely the best option.
One thing to note is that deep water cases will be hardshell and not touchscreen compatible, meaning you’ll want to choose one with an intuitive app that enables you to perform all camera functions using your side buttons. Another great thing about an underwater iPhone case for diving is that models like the ProShot are compatible with all iPhones, meaning the case can grow with you even when up upgrade your smartphone.
How long can your iPhone be submerged in an underwater iPhone case?
Although most iPhone models from the iPhone 7 up have some form of splash and water resistance, that doesn’t mean you should ever intentionally submerge them. And it definitely doesn’t mean trying to capture photos underwater for extended periods of time (not to mention that liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty). Even though the newest iPhones are rated to a depth of 6 meters and state they can be submerged for 30 minutes, the purpose of that is to protect it if you drop it in the pool or ocean or get stuck in the rain - not for underwater photography. Using a quality underwater iPhone case will enable you to spend hours in the water without worrying about damage to your iPhone. The only thing that will stop you is the battery life. Every underwater iPhone case should list the time they can be safely submerged, with models like the ProShot having no time limit to how long they remain effective underwater.
What comes with the underwater iPhone case? What accessories should you look for?
Just purchasing an underwater iPhone case on its own isn’t very functional. Just holding your phone as normal and attempting to snap pictures doesn’t work the same when underwater as it does above water, and a few extra accessories are necessary to optimize your experience. When you’re considering how to choose the best underwater iPhone case, look for one that includes helpful accessories such as:
Wrist strap
Hand grip (preferably floating)
A dedicated app with picture and video controls, editing features, and shooting modes
These are just a few accessories that will help you get the best underwater shots with your iPhone. They will give you the flexibility to shoot hands-free or get better angles and ensure you don’t lose your phone while in the water.
Your underwater iPhone case should ALWAYS come with a warranty that protects the case itself and provides insurance for your iPhone for any water damage incurred while in the case. If a case doesn’t come with this type of warranty coverage, we recommend skipping it, or you risk your iPhone ending up irreversibly damaged.
How to choose the best underwater iPhone case
When choosing the best underwater iPhone case, quality, effectiveness, and durability are critical to ensure that your iPhone is protected while you’re capturing your underwater adventures. With a good case, there is no need to purchase expensive and bulky underwater filming equipment. Instead, you can use the device that’s already in your pocket (plus, it makes it easier to upload to Instagram when the footage is already in your camera roll!).
Make sure you choose the appropriate model for your primary usage, whether you’re an advanced diver or just like to enjoy a recreational snorkel now and then. Choose an underwater iPhone case that offers the broadest range of compatible accessories, making it easier to get those good shots, and get ready to start wowing your friends with incredible underwater captures.
