Patents can be a useful barometer to know what a company is working, even if the technology they describe never born. Keeping this in mind, a newly discovered patent and relayed by 9to5mac, for devices of the Cupertino company and obviously filed by Apple itself, suggests a waterproofing devices.
See also : Google is working on a virtual reality version of Android
As stated in the different patterns of the patent, be it iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you'll be able to put them in your bath or other liquid container. To date, both the headphone jack and charging port are two notable areas of weakness for any manufacturer trying to make their waterproof features.
However, the method proposed by Apple does not imply a waterproof case. Indeed, instead, the internal circuit is coated with a hydrophobic layer which is resistant to liquid . The application process of the waterproof layer will only lead to a coating of between one and ten microns thick, Apple says in its filing. In other words, this means that the coating would not take extra space within the shell of the unit.
To keep the connectors protected against water, patent also speaks of silicone joints where they connect.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook has let slip that bears his Apple Watch in the shower, suggesting that it is at least water resistant ( showerproof ) - unless the changes daily.
The excellent idea of the water resistance
Manufacturers tend to be confident about the fact to assess whether the seal is worthwhile or not. For example, if the Samsung Galaxy S5 is waterproof, the brand new Galaxy S6 is not. In other words, maybe we have to make concessions regarding the selected materials.
However, the ultimate goal must be to make all our waterproof gadgets, as the technology is advanced. This could avoid many hassles and glitches that users may have with their devices.
"Overall, diving equipment in water generally predictable negative results" , says the patent. Apple's approach - if the company manages to make it work - mean gadgets are tight, without any compromise in design or size. Unfortunately, the technology is still far from being functional.
Apple has not shown much interest for waterproofing of its smartphones and tablets, although other manufacturers like Sony have made it an essential part of their devices. But given the weak attraction to these products, we can legitimately ask if waterproofing is key for consumers.
However, there is no doubt that if Apple manages to add the "tight" term as one of the prominent features on a smartphone or tablet, it would be really a plus . This patent was filed in March of last year, so this is a relatively recent invention, which means that it is too early to say whether Apple will consider it for his 2015 devices.
See also : Google is working on a virtual reality version of Android
As stated in the different patterns of the patent, be it iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you'll be able to put them in your bath or other liquid container. To date, both the headphone jack and charging port are two notable areas of weakness for any manufacturer trying to make their waterproof features.
To keep the connectors protected against water, patent also speaks of silicone joints where they connect.
The excellent idea of the water resistance
Manufacturers tend to be confident about the fact to assess whether the seal is worthwhile or not. For example, if the Samsung Galaxy S5 is waterproof, the brand new Galaxy S6 is not. In other words, maybe we have to make concessions regarding the selected materials.
However, the ultimate goal must be to make all our waterproof gadgets, as the technology is advanced. This could avoid many hassles and glitches that users may have with their devices.
"Overall, diving equipment in water generally predictable negative results" , says the patent. Apple's approach - if the company manages to make it work - mean gadgets are tight, without any compromise in design or size. Unfortunately, the technology is still far from being functional.
Apple has not shown much interest for waterproofing of its smartphones and tablets, although other manufacturers like Sony have made it an essential part of their devices. But given the weak attraction to these products, we can legitimately ask if waterproofing is key for consumers.
However, there is no doubt that if Apple manages to add the "tight" term as one of the prominent features on a smartphone or tablet, it would be really a plus . This patent was filed in March of last year, so this is a relatively recent invention, which means that it is too early to say whether Apple will consider it for his 2015 devices.