Waterproofing their devices doesn't seem to be one of Apple's priorities, unlike those of other tech giants such as Sony for its Xperia series. Apple fans seem to be content with purchasing waterproof cases for their iPhones. However, many of these fans hope that Apple would release a waterproof device, maybe starting with iPhone 7. This will make Apple really on par with other device companies.
Apple might be listening to the demands after all. Reports surfaced that Apple is exploring waterproofing methods for electronic devices and has applied for a patent at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This might mean waterproofed iPads, iPhones, possibly even MacBooks.
In their background study, Apple summarized that one of the factors for damages to a device is water. Particulars such as moisture, corrosion, and outright submersion of a device in water are often the cause of broken gadgets.
According to the document published by the Patent Office, Apple summarized the process for shielding electronic components from moisture. This procedure, described by Apple, involves plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD). By coating device components like the circuit board through hydrophobic coating, the process would construct an insulating layer that protects the circuits from damage when parts, such as those with electrical charges, come in contact with liquids. This process also protects other parts like solder leads via silicone seal coating.
Apple went on to simplify PACVD. The process is started by giving a substrate an electrical charge, such as the device's circuit board. It is then placed in a vacuum chamber containing fluoropolymer gas. The voltage applied to the gas turns it into plasma and adheres to the charged substrate, thereby sealing it.
Apple's move for waterproofing their devices could not have come at a better time, as other companies already ditched their waterproof feature for their phones. Samsung, known for making the Galaxy S5 waterproof, dropped its IP67 standards for the newly-released S6.
