In a recent update, Apple has cautioned against using the common method of drying wet iPhones by placing them in a bag of rice. Despite its widespread popularity, experts have consistently advised against this technique, citing tests that indicate its ineffectiveness.
The tech giant has now officially advised users against resorting to rice drying, highlighting the potential risk of small rice particles causing damage to the device. Instead, Apple recommends a different approach: gently tapping out any liquid from the phone, with the connector facing downwards, and then allowing it to air dry.
This guidance comes amidst a backdrop of various unrefined methods that users have historically employed to salvage water-damaged smartphones. Apple is taking the opportunity to steer users away from such practices. In addition to rice drying, the company advises against using external heat sources or compressed air, such as hairdryers or radiators, to dry wet phones. Inserting foreign objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the device is also discouraged.
Rather than these methods, Apple suggests leaving the phone in a dry area with adequate airflow before attempting to reconnect it to a charger. While these recommendations may seem basic, they remain relevant as the market for second-hand mobile devices continues to grow, driven by cost-of-living pressures.
However, with advancements in smartphone design, such advice may become obsolete in the future. Apple devices, starting from the iPhone 12 onwards, are engineered to withstand immersion in water up to a depth of six meters for half an hour. Despite this progress, guidance on handling wet smartphones will likely remain pertinent for some time, given the prevalence of older models and the need for practical solutions in case of water damage.
