What does 'waterproof' really mean?

I'm looking for a waterproof case for my iPhone 4s. But as i'm looking at the specs of the cases they say they are waterproof in up to 6 feet of water and for 30 minutes. What does that mean? Does it mean that after 30 minutes water will get into the case? And what about the six feet? Does that mean if my phone is under 7 feet of water the seal will break? I don't understand this.

Means it's *** waterproof.

That is exactly what they are saying. Now nothing is absolute, but they are giving you what they feel they can confidently guarantee. When you have an enclosed device water pressure increases as the depth increases. They are telling you that the seal on the case can withstand 6 feet of water pressure. If you go to 7 feet, the seal will not break but also is not designed to hold back the water so it may seep past the seal. As for the 30 minute time limit, apparently there's a time limit on the seal also. Again, the seal will not break but may let water in after that time.

I do suspect that the case is actually much better than what is listed. However I'm also quite sure they have given you these specs because people have taken "waterproof" too literally and have taken the case too deep or kept it in water too long and complained.

Nothing is truly waterproof.

Many things are water-resistant to some degree,
which depends on a number of factors.

The specs you quote mean exactly what they say:

Six feet is the maximum depth at which the case
is designed to resist the intrusion of water.

It should never be immersed to any greater depth than that because,
although the seal won't "break"suddenly, it will not be reliable.

Similarly, it will not suddenly leak like a sieve
if left underwater for more than 30 minutes,
but that time should not be exceeded
in an attempt to defy the published limit.

[The only allowable reason would be to
scientifically test the watertightness of the case.
A working device should not be used for such a test;
a "dummy" should be substituted.]

It is best to use such a case only to prevent problems caused by rain or splashes,
rather than to (attempt to) use the device underwater.

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