Introduction
A recently published Apple support document instructs owners of water-damaged iPhones to avoid using the time-honored solution of immersing the device in uncooked rice. While this method has long been used to remove moisture from electronics, Apple has deemed it ineffective for its products.
The use of rice for drying a wet device has been debunked many times, yet it continues to be a common practice. Despite the heightened awareness about its ineffectiveness, countless iPhone owners still subscribe to this method when faced with a water-related mishap.
This directive by Apple is not out of the blue as the company has been trying to steer its users away from the rice-drying method for some time now. Accordingly, the update in their support document seems to provide clearer instructions in terms of handling wet iPhones.
Apple's Stance on Wet iPhones
Apple's new instructions, rather straightforwardly, advise users to wipe their wet phones with a soft, lint-free cloth. They also underscore the importance of unplugging the device if it's charging and keeping it switched off until it's fully dry.
However, Apple has also warned that trying to expedite the drying process using external heat sources, like a hairdryer, is not recommended. These can potentially cause more damage. The advised method is ambient air drying, which might be slower but is much safer.
Interestingly, Apple hasn't recommended any commercial drying products explicitly. This could be because commercial drying agents sometimes leave residues that could potentially harm the device in the longer term.
Furthermore, Apple's document stresses the need to avoid inserting anything into the charging port to avoid further damage. Remember, the goal is to mitigate any further water damage, not exacerbate it.
Rice's Ineffectiveness in Drying Electronic Devices
It's important to reiterate why the rice method is considered ineffective. Although rice can absorb water, it doesn't do so with the efficiency needed to dry an electronic device that has water lodged in its internal components.
The misconception about rice stems from the fact that it can absorb moisture. True, rice absorbs moisture; however, it's not efficient in pulling moisture from other objects. Additionally, the tiny particles of rice can even enter the device and cause additional damage.
Moreover, rice doesn't efficiently absorb or remove the minerals and salts present in most waters. These can hasten the corrosion of internal components and might even lead to device failure sooner than expected.
Therefore, using rice to dry a wet iPhone is potentially detrimental and can cause more harm than good to your device.
Apple's Effort in Water-Resistance
Apple has been continuously enhancing the water resistance features of its iPhones. This effort takes a greater leap with the introduction of the iPhone 7 and its successors. All these models feature an IP67 or higher rating indicating a certain degree of protection against water and dust.
The document even states that if the iPhone is water-resistant and it was in freshwater, you could rinse the device with tap water. But do this with the understanding that no iPhone model is completely waterproof, and extreme conditions can lead to water damage.
The company has adopted a balanced stand when it comes to water damage. While making efforts to increase water resistance, it does not shy away from educating its customers about handling and drying a wet iPhone.
Apple's instructions are proof that the company is willing to accept that water damage can occur, and when it does, customers should be equipped with the right knowledge to handle the situation.
Answering Other Water Damage Questions
Apple's document also answers a multitude of other water damage-related queries. For instance, it clarifies that turning on a wet iPhone or connecting it to an accessory or power source can cause additional damage.
Surprisingly, Apple even advises against using any form of drying agent, including silica gel. The company's emphasis lies in air-drying and being patient with the process, even if it might seem frustrating.
The document also offers a reminder that attempting to disassemble an iPhone for drying is a massive no-go. Phones are highly compact devices with intricately placed components. Hence, this action could cause further damage instead of alleviating the problem.
In conclusion, Apple's recent instructions highlight more sensible and effective methods of dealing with a water-damaged iPhone. This move pivots from old, ineffective practices and further emphasizes Apple's dedication to providing substantive user support and information.