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Patent filing shows Apple is working on making a waterproof iPhone

waterproof-iphone

Apple has applied for a patent for a method of waterproofing the internal components of ‘computing devices.’ The application, filed last year but only published today (via AppleInsider), does not name any specific devices, but the iPhone would be the most logical candidate … 

We’re sure you know our patent disclaimer by heart by now: Apple files patent applications more often than you or I eat breakfast, and only a minority of them ever make it into production. But with some higher-end Android smartphones boasting waterproofing, and water damage a common way to kill an iPhone, this idea may be higher up the list than others.

Samsung mocked the iPhone’s lack of waterproofing in an Ice Bucket Challenge video last summer, citing the Galaxy S5’s IP67 certification that protects it from 30 minutes submersion in three feet of water.

Rather than make the casing waterproof, Apple’s patent describes a method of waterproofing internal components by integrating a hydrophobic coating with the electromagnetic interference shields used to protect sensitive electronics. This would be a better approach than waterproof casings, which can compromise the design of a phone.

Tim Cook revealed month that the Apple Watch is at least showerproof, though Apple’s website reveals that the approach taken there is to seal the innards in resin.

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Comments

  1. iJonni - 9 years ago

    Two questions: 1.is this the way the watch is shower proofed? 2. How is this different than what HzO and others have been doing with hydrophobic nano particle sprays?

    • sircheese69 - 9 years ago

      Lawsuits in 3…2…1…

    • Rich Davis (@RichDavis9) - 9 years ago

      My understanding is that the hydrophobic nano particle sprays have to be reapplied every so often.

      The AppleWatch is water resistant, but not waterproof. Meaning, it should be OK in a shower or wearing outside when it’s raining, but you can’t submerge it in water. Although I wouldn’t recommend wearing it in the shower, although I doubt you are going to have a problem, but ask Apple when you buy the thing first, just to make sure. Why put your device at risk, when you can avoid it altogether?

  2. Sergio Isaac - 9 years ago

    They should worry about fixing the battery life and giving people at least a 1080p display !!!

  3. AeronPeryton - 9 years ago

    Hey, if you have as much money as Apple you should definitely try your hand at destroying age-old difficulties like making physical buttons and ports repel water.

  4. Ronald Jonkers - 9 years ago

    This is about the watch, not an iphone….

    • Ben Lovejoy - 9 years ago

      Apple has stated that the Apple Watch water-resistance is achieved by embedding the innards in resin, but it could be planned for a later model.

    • sircheese69 - 9 years ago

      How do you get “watch” from “mobile device”, they have phones as well.

  5. S6 just lost the waterproof ability and the next iPhone will probably have it. I can’t stop smiling. Although I think waterproofing in phone is a bit pointless, this will show samsung.

  6. Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

    Until we are living in outer space and driving flying cars, I think the expectation that all our electronics be completely waterproof is just way too much to ask and not gonna happen anyway.

    Pretty much zero electronics are “waterproof” although many are “water resistant.” I think the water resistance is all anyone should expect and most devices including the iPhone already have that.

    The idea that you should be able to jump into a pool with your electronic devices is just ridiculous IMO. It wasn’t that long ago that you couldn’t take any electronics even just outside, if there was a light mist in the air or it was foggy. If you can walk down the street in the rain and answer your phone or look at your watch, I think that’s pretty much all we should expect.

  7. Rich Davis (@RichDavis9) - 9 years ago

    They still have to figure out a way to make these things waterproof with regards to the headphone jacks, etc. With the Sony that’s waterproof, it has those removable plastic seals which make it a pain in the ass to constantly remove and install. If they can figure out how to do it without using those things, then Apple will have a good design. I also think that Apple should do more in the area of making iPhones, iPads, and even laptops more indestructible where they are certified as Military compliant. I think Apple needs to step it up a notch in this area. It would help them get more sales into more markets.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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