We’ve heard plenty of rumors that the iPhone 6 – and last year’s model even—will be waterproof. The technology to do it is certainly there, but will the handset actually be waterproof. This is certainly an area where Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is playing catchup to competitors like Samsung. Even Sony, which isn’t one of the top players in the smartphone market, has a waterproof phone.
So where’s Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s waterproof iPhone?
Will the iPhone 6 solve some of the breakability issues?
One of the biggest issues iPhone users have is that the device is so breakable. Accessory makers rake in big bucks making cases to protect the handset, but so far, nothing has been done to protect it from water—unless, of course, you want to dole out $60 to pay Liquipel to waterproof it for you. But the iPhone isn’t waterproof out of the package.
Of course Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) prides itself on using premium materials like glass and metal, and as TechCrunch notes, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) and Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) use plastic, instead choosing to spend money on waterproofing rather than metal. Their devices are more durable than iPhones, and with the added waterproofing, Apple’s got some catching up to do.
iPhone 6 could feature sapphire glass
One speculation about the iPhone 6 that has really grown legs this time around is the potential use of sapphire glass for more than just the camera lens and fingerprint scanner. If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) used the virtually unbreakable glass, it would go a long way toward improving its durability, although sapphire glass alone won’t do it all.
Adding waterproofing could really help Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stay competitive with the iPhone 6, although the company still needs some extras if it wants to nose out ahead of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930). The big problem is that new innovations in smartphones seem to be a bit elusive right now, not just for Apple, but for every company. But seriously, who knew that getting a waterproof iPhone would be so difficult?
