Apple Patents Lightning Connector with Vacuum Seal, Provides Additional Waterproofing

When Apple first introduced water resistance on their iPhone lineup, consumers and critics gave plenty of positive reviews. However, there is still a lot that can be done to improve the waterproofing.

While it is possible to use a current-generation iPhone after you drop it in water, you can still use it, however, there are limitations. For instance, you shouldn’t plug in the device after it has been in the water until it fully dries.

Patently Apple has discovered applications for a patent that details a very simple route to further waterproof the iPhone. The patent details a lightning connector with a wedge design that would completely seal off the point of connection.

Another option, which was discovered by The Verge, details a method for creating a vacuum seal when the lightning connector is inserted into the device. The patent actually details pistons and a generator inside the device that make this possible.

It’s worth pointing out that a lot of things patented by Apple never actually make it to a product that is shipped to customers. However, the first patent mentioned here could be something Apple may introduce in a device as early as this year.