Apple patents ‘waterproof iPhones’ with simplified iOS for underwater use،
Today, iPhones are IP68 water and dust resistant, which means they can withstand a few meters deep in water and for a few minutes. However, the iPhone is not completely waterproof, just like every other smartphone you may come across. However, things could change in the future, as Apple just received a patent exploring “waterproof” iPhones with a simplified user interface.
The IP68 rating of the iPhone 15 series makes the device waterproof up to 6 meters of water depth for 30 minutes. However, the spray from the shower or a bath could void the rating, causing more damage to the phone than you might think. Likewise, using iPhone for swimming is another gray area where you may not be able to use iOS while keeping water off the body.
The latest patent awarded to Apple last week, but filed in April 2021, explores an “underwater user interface” that adjusts iOS to be efficient and usable underwater. That's because the Cupertino-based giant understands that using an iPhone with iOS underwater is tedious and inefficient. It would take a few clicks to bypass a task or function, making using your iPhone underwater obsolete.
Once the patent is in place, users will be able to use a simplified version of iOS that allows you to press the volume keys to zoom in and out instead of using the pinch and pull gesture. The sketches accompanying the patent show a working model of iOS for underwater use that you can probably use with the hardware buttons.
Apple will need to improve its navigation on iOS for underwater use. The patent shows a list of all tasks like camera, flashlight, timer, etc., which can be called up using the power button or volume rocker.
At the moment, the patent is likely for the simplified iOS, as no hardware updates for waterproof iPhones are in the works. The patent is numbered 11,875,021 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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