Apple patented another technology last Thursday.
Published on the US Patent and Trademark’s official website, the patent details a mechanism that can eject excess water from a device’s earpiece or speaker. It appears like Apple may be planning on adding this technology in its next iPhone to prevent any internal damage caused by liquid.
There are two parts listed in the patent. First, a “hydrophobic portion to resist the entry of liquid and second, a “hydrophilic portion to aid in the removal of liquid.” Furthermore, the liquid removal process will be monitored using “a tone or acoustic signal by the speaker.”
This technology is similar to that which comes in the Apple Watch Series 2. The latter packs a special “Eject Water Mode” which essentially blasts out water through its speakers using sound.
The latest iPhone devices are already water-resistant. However, Apple has integrated any such mechanism that physically eliminates water from the speakers of the device in its smartphones.
