The Apple Watch's Water Lock feature is designed to protect the device during water submersion and aid in its drying process. When activated, it disables the touchscreen to prevent accidental inputs and actively ejects water from within the watch. This feature is particularly useful for swimming and other water-based activities, especially since water resistance can degrade over time.

Water Lock can be manually activated on all Apple Watch models from Series 2 onward through the Control Center by tapping the water droplet icon. Once active, the screen becomes unresponsive. To deactivate it and initiate the water ejection process, press and hold the Digital Crown. This action triggers a series of tones and causes water to stream from the speaker holes, a cycle that repeats to ensure thorough drying.

While the Apple Watch Ultra models are rated for deep diving, standard models are not. Using Water Lock, especially after swimming in chlorinated pools or during activities where the watch might get splashed, can help prevent internal water pooling and prolong the device's lifespan. The automatic activation during water exercises ensures this protective measure is engaged when needed most.