Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone is here

oceanic+ dive housing and apple watch ultra

The news that millions of divers worldwide have been waiting for: the Oceanic+ Dive Housing that converts iPhones into a full-featured photo-taking dive computer, is here

In September 2022, Bob Hollis-founded kit manufacturer, Oceanic, partnered with Apple to create an app that transforms the Apple Watch Ultra into a full-featured dive computer.

Today, one year later, Oceanic has revealed the news that millions of iPhone-wielding divers have been waiting for: the arrival of a dedicated housing that will give users full control of their iPhones underwater – and turn them into dive computers.

While there have been other housings compatible with a variety of smartphones, ranging from little more than plastic bags to bespoke third-party casings, the Oceanic+ Dive Housing is the first that enables divers to take advantage of the iPhone’s full suite of photo-editing capabilities, together with a dive computer comparable with the latest in recreational dive computer tech.

underwater view of the oceanic+ housing dive overlay — Dive data is overlaid whenever the iPhone is in use

Compatible with iPhone iOS16 and above, using iPhone models SE 2nd generation and newer, the Oceanic+ Dive Housing is rated to a depth of 60m (196ft), with depth and temperature sensors to provide relevant dive data through the use of the Oceanic+ app.

Those concerned that the dive data might be somehow lacking will be reassured by the long list of features available through the app, which is based around the Unmodified Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors algorithm, with the full list of standard features one expects from a modern dive computer, including 40% Nitrox capability with user-modifiable settings for conservatism, and an automatic adjustment for altitude diving. GPS location information is also available.

Photo-wise, the combination of the iPhone, Oceanic+ Dive Housing and Oceanic+ app provides all the advanced photo and video features available with whichever generation of iPhone is in use, plus a suite of digital colour filters and automatic white point correction for depth-dependent adjustment. The iPhone’s ultra-wide lens facility also remains available.

colour correction with the oceanic+ iphone dive housing — Automatic colour correction is easy with the Oceanic+ app

Media can be shot in both RAW and compressed formats, and although video and photo information is added to the Oceanic+app, the media is physically stored on the iPhone, ready for sharing across all social media platforms as soon as a signal is available. Dive data can be overlayed for added interest.

For more dedicated photo enthusiasts, a universal 1/4″x20 thread mounting plate is built into the casing which will accommodate a variety of underwater photo accessories, plates and lights, although there is currently no facility for the use of external strobes.

One particularly reassuring feature is the inclusion of an automatic vacuum pump to check for potential leaks before diving, helping to prevent the terror of realising that a slightly dodgy seal has flooded the housing and destroyed its owner’s expensive pride and joy, and everything on it that wasn’t backed up to the iCloud.

Dive logs contain a gallery of media as well as all relevant dive information

Further fault prevention support is provided by the Oceanic+ app, which automatically prompts the user through a series of pre-dive checks.

The Oceanic+ app – the heart of the Apple diving ecosystem – is freemium software, enabling the use of the iPhone camera and basic depth gauge and GPS functionality in its free version. The complete photo suite and dive computer capability, however, require a subscription priced at US $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually (£9.99 per month, or annually for £81.99 in the UK).

Those who have already splashed out on the Apple Watch Ultra and a subscription to the Oceanic+ app will be able to use the Oceanic+ Dive Housing concurrently on the same subscription for no extra charge. Features and logbook information are synchronised across both platforms through the app, although dive data may differ slightly between the two when using both devices simultaneously due to differences in recorded depth based on the diver’s movements underwater.

‘Oceanic+ continues to revolutionize the dive experience, offering underwater capabilities for iPhone. Now divers can save pictures and videos directly to their logbook and easily share their stories with family and friends,’ said Nick Hollis, Oceanic Brand Manager. ‘The cutting-edge Oceanic+ app empowers photographers to capture media files in both compressed and RAW formats, each offering unique benefits to cater to diverse preferences and needs.’

Download Oceanic+ app

oceanic+ dive housing front and back — iPhone not included!

Features: photo and video

Advanced Photo and Video Features, Including Digital Color Correction Filters for the best images possible
White point correction for depth-adaptive adjustments
Enhanced colour accuracy with the Underwater Light setting
Pictures are saved directly to iPhone Photos App
Capture RAW and compressed media with added dive data
Share photos and profiles through social networks
Works with ultra-wide lens features on iPhones
Photos and videos automatically added to Oceanic+ Logbookompressed formats