In a move that dispels a long-standing myth, Apple has officially advised against using rice to dry wet iPhones due to damage that could be caused by small particles of the grain. 

The longstanding myth started because rice is a hygroscopic material, meaning when rice is exposed to air with high relative humidity, the grains will absorb water from the air. In the same vein, when wet rice is exposed to air with low relative humidity, the grains will release water into the air, according to the Rice Knowledge Bank. 

The idea of using rice to keep your devices dry originated back in the early 20th century, when photographers would need to ward off rust and fungus on their cameras in warm, humid climates. 

While silica gel was the preferred tool for the job, an excerpt from a 1946 issue of Popular Photography reads that tea, brown paper, and rice can work as well in a pinch for transporting camera film and other items. However, it also says that very large quantities are required to produce a substantial effect. 

This means that rice-drying devices have been a highly contested pseudo-solution for generations of humanity, which explains the almost folkloric vigour used to direct you to the pantry while holding a sopping wet handheld.  

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Now, Apple’s recent support document urges users to refrain from using rice as a drying agent, and instead recommend more practical approaches like gently tapping out any liquid from the device with the phone connector facing downwards, and allowing the phone to dry with sufficient air flow. 

The guidance also advises against using heat sources or compressed air to dry phones, as well as objects like cotton swabs and paper towels. 

As smartphones become increasingly sophisticated, newer models like all Apple devices from the iPhone 12 onwards are designed to withstand immersion in water up to a depth of six metres for half an hour. 

However, the global second-hand mobile market continues to expand amidst cost of living pressures, and users still frequently encounter water-damaged devices.