AirPods Pro 3 are rated IP57, which makes them the most water and dust resistant AirPods ever made. Here's what that actually means for you.
Breaking Down IP57
The first number (5) is for dust. It means enough dust protection that your AirPods will work fine even in dusty places like hiking trails or construction sites.
The second number (7) is the big one. It means they can handle being submerged in about 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
This Is Actually a Big Upgrade
AirPods Pro 2 were only IPX4. The X meant they never even tested for dust, and the 4 meant just splash resistance. So going to IP57 is a real improvement, not just marketing.
Real-World Translation
You're good for:
- Sweaty gym sessions (even intense ones)
- Getting caught in the rain
- Dropping them in a puddle (grab them quick though)
- Dusty environments
What They're Still Not Made For
Apple's pretty clear about this:
- No swimming
- No water sports
- Keep them out of the shower
- Salt water is bad news
- Pool water (chlorine) isn't great either
Basically, intentional water activities are still a no.
Some Reality Checks
The rating degrades over time. Normal wear and tear, drops, and exposure to things like soap or sunscreen can weaken the water resistance. It's not permanent.
Apple won't cover water damage. The warranty doesn't include water damage, so don't go testing the limits.
Keep Them Happy
- Dry them before putting them in the case
- If they get wet, let them air dry completely before charging
- Wipe them down after workouts
- Keep soaps and chemicals away from them
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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