Apple's newest flagships, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, were never advertised to be water-resistant. Users of the phones, however, eventually figured out that they actually were, due to a number of new gaskets and seals that helped protect the handsets from water damage, according to U Switch.
Now, rumors are flying that Apple's next-generation flagship will carry the technology even further. If speculations are to be believed, the next flagship of the Cupertino, Calif., tech giant could be waterproof.
Apple has reportedly filed a patent for an "electronic device with hidden connector." The patent further describes a "self-healing elastomer" that covers the phone's USB port, headphone port and other pertinent openings to prevent water and other debris from getting inside the phone's internals, reports Value Walk.
The special elastomer is designed in such a way that users are still able to insert USB connectors and headphones normally. When the connectors are removed, however, the elastomer automatically expands and seals itself back up.
Though the patent does suggest a feature that would be perfect for the company's next flagship, it is still unknown if Apple will opt to utilize the technology in its next-generation smartphone. In the patent, Apple stated that the technology could be used for devices such as Apple Watches, Macbooks, iMacs and the Apple TV as well, according to The International Business Times.
The iPhone 7 celebrates the 10th year anniversary of the iPhone. By making the device waterproof, Apple would end up rounding off a package that already promises much.
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