Yes. Steam and repeated moisture exposure can damage a phone over time, even on models with a water-resistance rating.
Modern phones handle a splash or a few drops of water fine, so it's tempting to assume shower steam is no different. Steam behaves differently than a splash, though, because it's fine enough to work its way past seals that block liquid droplets.
The bigger issue is cumulative: one shower session probably won't hurt anything, but doing it daily for months is a different story.
IP water-resistance ratings (like IP67 or IP68) are tested against submersion or direct water jets, not sustained hot steam and humidity. Steam can condense inside ports, speaker grilles, and camera housings in ways a quick splash doesn't.
Seals that were rated IP68 when new can weaken after drops, repairs, or a couple of years of normal wear, even though the phone looks fine. Manufacturers generally don't cover water damage under warranty regardless of the official rating.
Keep it on a shelf or holder outside the direct steam and spray zone rather than in your hand under the water. A cheap waterproof speaker or a phone stand a few feet from the showerhead lets you listen to music or podcasts without the daily moisture exposure.
An occasional splash won't ruin a modern phone, but daily steam exposure adds up and shortens the life of seals, ports, and speakers. Keep it out of the direct steam and you avoid the slow damage entirely.
It helps against splashes and drops but doesn't fully solve the steam problem, since steam can still reach ports and speakers depending on the case design.
Yes. Condensation can form inside openings like the charging port or speaker grille without the phone ever looking wet on the outside.
Yes, much safer. Steam concentration drops off quickly outside the direct shower area, so a phone on the counter or a shelf across the room faces far less exposure.
Wipe it dry immediately, avoid charging it until it's fully dry, and let it air out in a dry room rather than using heat sources like a hair dryer.