“A U.S. patent application published on Thursday reveals Apple is actively researching ways to make its products resistant to moisture,” Mikey Campbell reports for AppleInsider.
“Apple’s filing for ‘Methods for shielding electronic components from moisture’ outlines a process for coating sensitive device components using advanced vapor deposition technology and protecting solder leads with silicone seals,” Campbell reports. “Instead of sealing off the entire device housing like a common wristwatch, Apple proposes coating integral components, like the printed circuit board (PCB), with a hydrophobic coating.”
“It is unclear if Apple will employ more aggressive moisture protection in future products, but as the company moves into the wearables industry with Apple Watch, consumers may come to expect a certain level of waterproofing from its devices,” Campbell reports. “Apple Watch itself was designed with at least a minimal level of splash resistance, as CEO Tim Cook recently revealed it can be worn in the shower.”
More details and Apple’s patent application illustrations in the full article here.