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APPLE WATCH WATER LOCK: HOW IT PROTECTS YOUR DEVICE

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
SAT, JUL 18, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Apple Watch's water lock feature automatically engages during swimming to prevent accidental touches and water damage. The system disables the touchscreen and speaker until manually unlocked.

When activated, water lock renders the Apple Watch's display unresponsive to touch input. This prevents water droplets from triggering unwanted actions while you're in the pool or ocean. The feature also mutes the speaker temporarily. After exiting the water, users can unlock the device by rotating the Digital Crown, which ejects residual water through speaker vibrations. Water lock engages automatically during workouts classified as swimming, or users can manually enable it through Control Center. The system works on all Apple Watch models with water resistance ratings of 50 meters or higher. Apple rates these watches suitable for shallow-water activities but not diving or high-velocity water sports. The water lock feature complements the device's water-resistant hardware design, which uses gaskets and sealed components to keep moisture out of internal electronics. Users should rinse their watch with fresh water after saltwater exposure to prevent corrosion.

■ SOURCES

Engadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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