Now that Apple has introduced water resistance on its flagship iPhone range, it’s looking to carve a niche out for itself in the market by letting customers use accessories while their iPhone is submerged in a pool of H2O.
Documentation spotted on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s database indicates that the firm is tinkering with an updated Lightning connector that seals the entrance when inserted, preventing water from entering the slot.
Image: USPTO
Apple is also experimenting with another approach that goes a step further: vacuum sealing the entrance using a combination of durable pistons, which can double as a vibration motor (saving on precious space), housed in the iPhone itself.
Related: iPhone X
Both solutions will allow customers to use accessories while their iPhone is submerged in water, though the latter will require an external generator to power the pistons, something that Apple envisages being built into the peripherals.
It’s worth noting, however, that Apple files for patents for enhanced components on a near-monthly basis and only a handful of them ever make their way onto the market, so best not get your hopes up until we have some solid evidence to go on.
Do you think there’s a market for a Lightning connector that lets you use accessories under water? Be sure to let us know over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
