If there is one thing that AirPods lacks, it is IP rating. This is the reason Apple recommends you keep AirPods away from water. Interestingly, an Argentine swimmer forgot she had worn AirPods and went on to break her own record at an international race in France.

Delfina Pignatiello finished second but managed to break her own record. All the while the AirPods were in her ears and covered by the swimming cap. She took out the AirPods after hitting the wall and showed it someone on the deck.

⏱️ RÉCORD SUDAMERICANO de @delfipigna en los 800 libre del @MareNostrumswim de Canet 🇫🇷
8️⃣▪️2️⃣4️⃣▪️3️⃣3️⃣
mejora su tiempo del título mundial juvenil 🏆 2017 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/nj9VPshzAY

— Fernando Cicutti (@fercicutti) June 11, 2019

Later on, she took to Twitter and joked that the music wasn’t playing. As explained earlier, AirPods don’t come with an IP rating and cannot be used in water or dusty conditions. Apple has clearly mentioned that AirPods should not come in contact with water. However, some AirPods have continued to work after water dunks. The swimmer, Pignatiello, did not comment on whether her AirPods are still working or not. It is very common for swimmers to listen to music in order to prep for the race. Apparently, it helps them cool off and focus on the race.

Our Take

Like Apple, even we wouldn’t recommend using AirPods in water. AirPods don’t come cheap at $149 and Apple’s warranty won’t cover damages due to waterlogging. However, it would be awesome if Apple adds IP protection to the next iteration of AirPods. Companies like Jabra (Elite Active 65t) are already offering wireless earbuds with IP56 water protection. We hope that Apple picks the cue and offers IP rating on the AirPods 3.

[via SwimSwam]

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