OtterBox announces waterproof iPhone 5s case with Touch ID support

BY Jason

Published 16 Oct 2013

iphone 5s otterbox case

If you live or work in areas where you risk getting your iPhone wet, OtterBox has announced its new Preserver series waterproof cases for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. Notably, the iPhone 5s case is constricted such that even with the case on, you can continue to use the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

With the case, you can submerge your iPhone up to a depth of 6.6 ft for half an hour, drop it from a height of 6.6 ft. and prevent dust and other particles from entering the device.

From OtterBox’s press release:

“About 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and technology is almost as pervasive,” said OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas. “We take our smartphones with us everywhere, and OtterBox is dedicated to making these activities as worry-free as possible. The Preserver Series is dependable, seriously waterproof protection that you can trust.”

The two-piece case snaps together for easy installation. It boasts a solid plastic frame lined with device-cradling foam and overmolded bumpers to absorb and deflect shock away from the device inside. The built-in screen protector guards the vibrant display from scratches without inhibiting touch sensitivity.

The Preserver case is priced at $89.95 for all iPhone models, and is available in multiple colors for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, but strangely not the iPhone 5c. OtterBox hasn’t started selling Preserver cases for the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, but if you have an iPhone 5, you can order one right away. For more, head over to OtterBox’s website.

These cases are of course not meant to appeal to all, especially given how bulky it makes the device. But for those who who want to use their iPhones in surroundings where the device could be damaged, this seems like a good option.