Apple patents a “water mode” for taking photos with the iPhone underwater

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Apple patents a “water mode” for taking photos with the iPhone underwater

Apple, iPhone, Mode, patents, photos, underwater, water

The iPhone’s camera doesn’t leave much to chance. Its simplicity is such that normally all you have to do is hit the capture button to take a very good photo. The app recognizes the scene and adjusts everything so that we don’t have to do anything else. This is also one of its main problems, the lack of control and customization.

iPhone water
iPhone with water

The fact that this doesn’t let us take control as much as we want it to make us too reliant on the iPhone’s ability to perform well in all situations. And on some occasions, just not up to the challenge. For example, underwater, where its handling leaves much to be desired.

Yes, the iPhone is not a water camera, but its design and specifications make it the default choice for many. In the end, thanks to its water resistance, we don’t have much to fear except to take a little more care when handling it. Therefore, Apple would work on a mode for these conditions.

According to a patent shared by Patently Apple, the company would develop a mode capable of automatically detecting when it is in water, as in this other patent for the SpringBoard. Distinguish the telephone is submerged or just wet, it would adapt without user intervention. This would allow, for example, better control of the shot.

Patent of iPhone modes in water
According to an Apple patent, these would be the different modes of the iPhone in water. Source: obviously Apple

In principle, the phone would be smart enough as if to distinguish a “false contact” caused by water, so that it would not make unnecessary catches. However, given that devices like the Apple Watch with its water mode lock the screen, it seems difficult that the iPhone doesn’t have to.


In any case, and as is always the case with patents, it is not a confirmation that we will see it in the future. While it sounds particularly specific, if Apple is working on it, it could still officially rule it out. Although we hope not, because it certainly could not harm the iPhone.

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