iPhone 6S Will Have A Surprising New Feature

Just as Samsung ditches waterproof flagship smartphones, Apple does the exact opposite - according to a newly filed patent.

The patent application - first reported by Appleinsider - suggests that Apple wants to experiment with waterproofing a future device.

The patent explains that Apple will combine a hydrophobic coating (water repellent) with electromagnetic interference shields (typically used in consumer electronics to avoid environmental damage) to protect the internal components.

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What this means is that a future iPhone could be water-resistant without the need to compromise on the design of the device. Water-resistant smartphones typically have a sealed exterior that prevents moisture from getting in and damaging the key components.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia series use this method. The danger areas are the connection ports like USB and headphone jack, which is why both devices have plastic plugs over all external connections. This patent would mean that there would be no need for a radical change in design to protect the insides.

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Of course, this is just a patent and not a confirmed feature of any future iPhone - or any other Apple product. Apple, and many other companies, file huge amounts of patents and few see the light of day. But given the unremarkable nature of the idea - and the immediate benefits it could bring - it’s reasonable to assume that we could see this in an upcoming iPhone.

Design versus functionality is clearly an issue that many manufacturers are wrestling with. Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge don’t have the water-resistant properties that their predecessor had. HTC , too, decided against waterproofing its One M9 because it would compromise the most important aspect of its smartphone - how it looks. If accurate, then Apple may have just found the solution.

The hydrophobic method, however, is not new and has even been used to waterproof an iPhone. Back in 2013, NeverWet released a video (which quickly went viral) of its waterproofing spray which protected a range of items from moisture damage - including the iPhone 5. Although, after eventually releasing the product, early reviews found that the spray didn’t live up to expectations.