The iPhone 7 is now a certified oldie but goodie. It also carries an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dustproof and water-resistant with the ability to survive in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. But you may require more than that, as water-resistant does not equal waterproof. While there are a few cases out there that only match the iPhone 7’s IP67 rating, if you want better protection for your old standby, we suggest getting a waterproof case to harden your aging handset’s defenses against the elements.
If you’re looking for rugged, full-body, heavy-duty protection from harsh environments — as well as an IP68 certified fully sealed waterproof case — look no further than the multi-functional SportLink Waterproof Case. Use this case at the beach or underwater for any activity or to capture images. In addition to being waterproof, the case is shockproof and dustproof. You can place your phone on a wireless charger without removing the case. It’s easy to install and supports your iPhone’s Touch ID, speaker, buttons, sensors, and cameras.
The CellEver Waterproof Case provides easy access to all the iPhone functions you need, like Touch ID, speaker, microphone, buttons, sensors, and front and rear cameras — all in an IP68-certified waterproof enclosure. Safe, protective, and light, the case is perfect for swimming, diving, and submerging up to 6.6 feet for an hour. It even has a wider charger port opening to fit larger 3rd party lightning cables. It’s also designed and tested to protect and withstand shocks and drops of up to 6.6 feet. The package includes a cleaning cloth and hand strap.
This case is an updated version of the original LifeProof FRĒ Waterproof Case that’s compatible with the iPhone 7/8 and SE (2020). Its IP68 ingress protection rating makes it water- and snow-proof as well as fully submersible to 66.5 meters for one hour. It meets or exceeds the military MIL-STD 810F-516 drop standard. In addition to being sealed from snow, ice, dirt, and dust particles it also offers built-in scratch protection, full access to buttons and controls, and charge and sync via the USB port. It’s a bulky case with a built-in screen protector and chunky button and port covers, but it provides easy access to all essential iPhone features.
The Dog & Bone Wetsuit — which combines silicone, polycarbonate, and rubber for a secure fit — is a tough iPhone case that offers IP68 protection and drop protection at up to 6.6 feet (2 meters). It provides a secure port cover, button covers, and accurate cutouts for the camera and Touch ID, but there’s no screen protector — this case forms a seal with the touchscreen instead. While the open screen ensures touch sensitivity, it does leave your screen exposed. The rubber bumper and textured back add extra grip.
While the Catalyst case scores an IP68 rating, the company tests each unit to even greater depths and promises that its cases are waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters). You also get good drop protection for falls from up to 6.6 feet (2 meters). The soft rubber exterior is comfortable to hold and adds some grip, and there’s easy access to the Touch ID, buttons, and camera. A thin screen protector is built in, which doesn’t interfere with touch sensitivity, and a rotating crown dial operates the mute switch.
Pelican offers an array of top-tier protective cases with stellar reputations as some of the best on the market. This Marine case for iPhone 7 not only prevents any water damage but also protects against falls or other impacts. This waterproof iPhone case scores an IP68 rating, meaning it can be completely submerged in water to a depth of 6.6 feet for up to an hour. It seals your phone inside while allowing the Touch ID, touchscreen, and camera to work just fine. There are button covers for the controls and ports for audio, however, you may notice the sound is a bit muffled occasionally.
If you don’t need constant waterproof protection for your iPhone 7, then a better option could simply be a dry bag like the Vansky. Pop your iPhone in the bag and seal it, and you’re set. The case has an IPX8 rating and promises to keep your handset safe in depths of up to 100 feet. It comes with a strap that you can shrink or enlarge to fit your neck, arm, wrist, or ankle. Both the front and back are clear, allowing you to use your iPhone while it’s in the bag. Another cool thing that sets this bag apart is that it floats, so if you drop your iPhone, it won’t disappear into the depths.
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app fanatic, her specialties include cross-platform hardware and software, art, design, photography, video, and a wide range of creative and productivity apps and systems. Formerly senior editor at Macworld and creativity editor at The Next Web, Jackie now writes for a variety of consumer tech publications.
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile Editor at Digital Trends. He has spent more than a decade writing about smartphones, wearables, tablets, software, computing, videogames, and robots all over the internet for Tech Radar, Android Authority, USA Today, VentureBeat, Deal News, and many other places. His work has also appeared on Yahoo! Tech, CNN, Fox News, Lifehacker, and Christian Science Monitor. He also spent several years working in the games industry as a game designer and producer. He lives in Scotland with his wife and two kids.
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Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.