Apple has filed a new patent.
The new patent hints at an "underwater mode" for future iPhones.
Apple likely aims to introduce a simplified "underwater user interface."
Following the release of the iPhone 15 series, speculation about the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup has surged. Recent attention has been drawn to a new patent filed by Apple, hinting at the potential inclusion of an “underwater mode” for future iPhones.
The 78-page patent on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) details a unique iPhone interface tailored for underwater usage, reports MySmartPrice.
Also read: Apple iPhone 16 renders reveal a big change in design
According to the patent, Apple identifies the current iOS software as “cumbersome and inefficient” in wet conditions.
Also read: iPhone 16 Pro to feature a punch-hole cutout and not Dynamic Island? Find out
To address this issue, Apple likely aims to introduce a simplified “underwater user interface.” This innovative interface could feature larger buttons, streamlined menus, and increased reliance on hardware buttons such as volume controls.
For example, in the camera app, the utilisation of volume rockers for zooming might replace the conventional pinch gestures. A similar functionality is anticipated to be integrated into the iPhone 16, which could come with a new Capture button.
To recap, a patent for the purported “underwater mode” was filed back in 2022, aiming to facilitate easy usage, especially regarding camera functions, underwater. The latest patent appears to be an extension of this concept, enhancing its capabilities further.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Apple’s ongoing trend of enhancing water resistance in its devices. A notable example is the Apple Watch Ultra, which boasts the capability to withstand recreational scuba diving depths of up to 40 metres.
It’s important to note that while Apple files numerous patent applications regularly, the presence of a patent does not guarantee that the concept will be used in a future product.
Furthermore, even if the idea is implemented, there’s no confirmation that it will debut with the iPhone 16 or any specific model. Thus the development of an underwater-ready iPhone remains uncertain.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
