Case Study Summary
- Device: iPhone 15 Pro
- Failure type: Salt water submersion for 48 hours
- Condition on arrival: Not powering on
- Recovery method: Logic board transplant using the original CPU, NAND, and security chip on a donor board
- Result: Photos and videos recovered
- Service: iPhone data recovery service
This iPhone 15 Pro salt water case study documents how Payam Data Recovery recovered photos and videos from an iPhone 15 Pro that slipped into the ocean during a boat trip and remained underwater for 48 hours. When it was retrieved, the phone was lifeless, but it still contained irreplaceable memories from a Europe trip.
iPhone 15 Pro salt water case study overview
Salt water can accelerate corrosion and contribute to electrical failure in electronic devices. In this case, the iPhone would not power on after prolonged exposure, so standard repair methods were not suitable for data access.
Technical recovery process
As described in the video, the recovery approach was a logic board transplant. This involved moving the original encrypted components to a compatible donor board.
- Component transfer: The CPU, NAND storage, and security chip were moved from the damaged board to a donor board.
- Donor board preparation: A compatible donor logic board was used to accept the original components.
- Reassembly: The device was reassembled so the phone could power on and present the normal passcode prompt.
Recovery outcome
After the transplant, the iPhone powered on successfully and accepted the customer’s passcode. The photos and videos from the Europe trip were recovered. This iPhone 15 Pro salt water case study shows that severe water exposure does not always mean the data is permanently lost.
For background information on why corrosion affects electronics, see
this corrosion overview.
iPhone data recovery service workflow
Mobile phone and tablet recoveries follow a fixed price service model:
- Fixed price service
- No pre-quote testing
- Economy, Priority, and Emergency options
- Payment is only required after successful recovery
Frequently asked questions
Can data be recovered from an iPhone dropped in the ocean?
In some cases, yes. This iPhone 15 Pro salt water case study shows a logic board transplant approach that enabled access to the data after the phone powered on and accepted the passcode.
Is my iPhone passcode required?
Yes. iPhone data is encrypted. The correct passcode is required to access data after the hardware is restored.
Related iPhone data recovery case studies
- iPhone salt water data recovery case study
- iPhone fell in swimming pool data recovery
- Smashed and bent iPhone data recovery solutions
About Payam Data Recovery
Payam Data Recovery works with individuals, students, families, small and medium businesses, IT companies, and organisations that need their data recovered safely and professionally. Some customers come to us with a single damaged device containing personal memories, while others rely on us for complex technical recoveries that require specialist tools and experience.
We are based in Australia and have been recovering data since 1998. Our clients also include governments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, and public figures. Every job is handled with 100 percent confidentiality and privacy.
We have labs in Sydney CBD, Rhodes NSW, Melbourne CBD, and Brisbane CBD, with secure drop-off points in Adelaide CBD and Perth CBD. International customers are welcome, including regular clients in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800