Apple could bring the iPhone’s water-resistant design to the iPad. The company has internally tested an iPad mini casing with an IP rating.
Unlike iPhones, iPads typically aren’t exposed to the same environmental challenges. So, Apple never made iPads with an IP rating, but that could eventually change.
iPads and water resistance: nice to have, not need to have
Apple first added water resistance to the iPhone in 2016 with the iPhone 7. Since then, it has been a stable feature on all iPhones, protecting against water and dust ingress.
All Apple Watch models are also water-resistant. In fact, the Ultra lineup boasts an even higher level of protection than iPhones, capable of withstanding greater depths and pressure. Again, that’s needed since the watches are exposed to more challenging and varying conditions.
That’s not the case with iPads, though, as they are mostly used for content consumption at home or the office. Or as a laptop replacement. In any scenario, they are not exposed to liquid or other such challenging conditions. And that explains why Apple has never bothered to add an IP rating to iPads.
However, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman claims in a post on X that Apple tested a redesigned iPad mini case that’s water-resistant. In another separate report, he says the next iPad mini refresh due to arrive in 2027 could feature an OLED display and water-resistant design.
It’s also important to note that despite carrying an IP certification, Apple’s standard warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage.
A waterproof iPad might not make much sense
For most iPad users, the addition of water resistance would likely bring minimal benefits compared to the added costs. In most cases, an IP rating would help against accidental liquid spills, but that’s about it.
Samsung offers an Active range of tablets that are water-resistant. Its recent flagship tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra, are also IP68 water-resistant. But that’s not their main selling point.
Likewise, even if Apple eventually adds water resistance to iPads, it won’t be a major highlight due to the limited benefit it brings.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
