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.
