The Apple iPhone is not yet officially waterproof, even if one or two intrepid took care to test how flagships to the bitten apple resist once we got them into a vat of water. But soon we may be able to do it all without fear. Indeed, a new patent has emerged suggesting that this is a feature on which Apple has one eye.
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The patent was highlighted last week, but was released in July 2014. It focuses on a "self-healing elastomer" can lose its shape and look to keep the sensitive workings of a device protected. In other words, it would, for example, connect headphones to the headphone socket when you need it, and then close the port once it is removed.
The ports are one of the weak links when you want to make a waterproof smartphone. How do you stop the water from entering the smartphone when the Lightning cables and others must be inserted?
Only a patent?
Through a careful disassembly by iFixit team of iPhone 6s, we learned that it was almost impervious to water, and we saw various Apple patents with a waterproofing process - the last involved a hydrophobic coating which would protect the internal circuit even if water were to penetrate.
All these notes could mean that we will see an iPhone 7 fully waterproof. But do not rejoice too quickly. It is also interesting to note that the patent has not been granted to Apple, and there is a request by the Cupertino giant.
Emerging ideas in the industry patents do not always end up seeing the day, but they can be very useful in predicting how a manufacturer thinks. And, it seems that Apple is seriously thinking about how to add a touch of tightness its flagship smartphones.
See also: Tumblr provides support for Live Photos
The patent was highlighted last week, but was released in July 2014. It focuses on a "self-healing elastomer" can lose its shape and look to keep the sensitive workings of a device protected. In other words, it would, for example, connect headphones to the headphone socket when you need it, and then close the port once it is removed.
Only a patent?
Through a careful disassembly by iFixit team of iPhone 6s, we learned that it was almost impervious to water, and we saw various Apple patents with a waterproofing process - the last involved a hydrophobic coating which would protect the internal circuit even if water were to penetrate.
All these notes could mean that we will see an iPhone 7 fully waterproof. But do not rejoice too quickly. It is also interesting to note that the patent has not been granted to Apple, and there is a request by the Cupertino giant.
Emerging ideas in the industry patents do not always end up seeing the day, but they can be very useful in predicting how a manufacturer thinks. And, it seems that Apple is seriously thinking about how to add a touch of tightness its flagship smartphones.