With the release of the iPhone 15 series, there are more and more rumors about the iPhone 16 series in 2024. Among them, Apple's "underwater mode" patent has attracted much attention, indicating that the future generation of iPhones may usher in a new experience. The 78-page patent document reveals Apple's dedicated iPhone interface designed for underwater use, which is intended to solve the problem of inefficient operation of iOS software in wet environments.
The new patent aims to simplify operation with an "underwater user interface" that improves the user experience by zooming in on buttons, concise menus, and relying more on hardware buttons such as volume control. One image shows an iPhone in a fish tank, showing the app icon for underwater mode. The interface will optimize the button size to meet the needs of finger operation in wet environments.
For example, a camera app might use volume buttons to zoom instead of traditional gestures. In the future, the iPhone 16 series is also expected to add similar features such as the "Capture" button.
It is worth mentioning that Apple first applied for a patent for this "underwater mode" in 2022, aiming to make it easier to use the phone's camera. The new patent is a further expansion of the existing features, in line with Apple's trend of continuously improving the waterproof performance of the device. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra has reached an underwater diving depth of 40 meters. However, it will take time to realize an iPhone that can be operated underwater.
Despite the large number of patent applications filed by Apple every week, obtaining a patent does not mean that these concepts will be immediately translated into products. Even if the "underwater mode" patent is finalized, it is not certain that it will be released with the iPhone 16 series. According to current sources, the iPhone 16 series has a relatively small upgrade, continuing the vertical dual-camera design of the iPhone X-12. It is reported that there are no major design changes in this generation of iPhone, except that the screen is larger, and the specifications are 63 inches and 69 inches. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo**, Apple will not launch a new iPhone with breakthrough design changes at least in 2025, along with a more comprehensive and differentiated generative AI or app. For the new design and intelligent AI, it may not be until next year that the iPhone 17 series will make a breakthrough.
Although the "underwater mode" patent has not yet been presented in the iPhone 16 series, this move reflects the direction of Apple's future product development. We expect Apple to continue to bring technological innovations, rather than just incremental improvements.