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Smartphones like the iPhone have been getting quite good at water resistance, but a patent suggests a fully waterproof iPhone might be in the works. IP69K is the best IP rating on the market, but most flagships come with an IP68 or IP67 rating. These ratings usually mean a phone can survive a certain depth in water for a certain amount of time. However, a recently filed patent might just be hinting at a truly waterproof iPhone coming soon.
What a waterproof iPhone patent could mean
The patent that has been filed isn’t exactly for a waterproof iPhone. Patent number US 11,875,021 is titled “Underwater User Interface”. As noted by PhoneArena, the patent sees Apple claiming iOS is “cumbersome and inefficient” underwater. Anyone who has used a smartphone underwater knows that doesn’t even begin to cover it. Phones might survive underwater nowadays, but they’re still pretty much bricks. Even a slightly wet thumb causes touchscreens to completely miss or misinterpret touches.
A patent for an underwater user interface is the closest Apple can get to saying “waterproof iPhone” without saying it directly. By far the Apple device that would most benefit from an underwater UI is the iPhone. Not only will consumers finally be completely worry-free, but they will also be more inclined to use their phones for underwater photography. This could also usher in a golden era of technology where smartphones can be used in the shower. Companies will rush to make that a selling point like they did with the notch.
Is a waterproof iPhone confirmed?
As with all patents, this is just something Apple has thought of. Apple is not obligated to follow through on this. There is also the possibility, no matter how slim, that Apple might be making an underwater UI for some other reason. As much as everyone would love to see it, a patent is not an official announcement for a waterproof iPhone. Though not confirmed, if enough people talk about it, Apple might be tempted to give it a shot anyway. They’ve always liked to come out with features never seen before in competing devices.
If Apple does end up announcing a waterproof device in the near future, consumers around the globe will have something very exciting to talk about. It will also give Apple an edge over competitors in markets it has performed poorly in. How viable, or even possible, this, however, remains to be seen.