A new patent filed by the tech giant has emerged, suggesting the possibility of an “underwater mode” for iPhones. The 78-page patent on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) outlines a special iPhone interface designed specifically for underwater use.
Apple Patent revealed Underwater Mode for iPhones
The camera app could use volume rockers for zooming instead of the usual pinch gestures. A similar functionality is expected to reach the iPhone 16, which could come with a new Capture button.
The new patent seems to be an extension of this only with more capabilities. This move aligns with Apple’s trend of improving water resistance in its devices. For instance, the Apple Watch Ultra can already handle recreational scuba diving up to 40 metres.
But don’t count on having an underwater-ready iPhone anytime soon. Apple files many patent applications every week, and just because they have a patent doesn’t necessarily mean that the idea will be in a future product. And even if does get executed, there’s no confirmation if this arrives with the iPhone 16!