Apple AirPods in the future could potentially be more water-resistant than their current form. A recent patent from the iPhone maker shows how ultrasonic touch technology could likely make them more usable in wet conditions.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: The newly announced Apple AirPods is seen on a screen during a launch event on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California.
Apple AirPods Might Be More Water-Resistant in the Future
AirPods have become a staple wireless headphones for users of the products of the Cupertino tech giant, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, thanks to the seamless Apple ecosystem.
While the iPhone has evolved to be waterproof to some extent these days, AirPods are apparently less friendly to water.
Apple has a few AirPods models that are water-resistant, but they are far from being completely waterproof.
According to a report by CNET, the third-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro have started to support water-resistant technology.
It allows the wireless headphones to overcome excessive sweating and a bit of water splashing. But it necessarily means that its users could go on swimming with these bad boys.
However, it appears that Apple is working to make the future AirPods more resistant to water or essentially more usable even in wet conditions.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller announces AirPods during a launch event on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California.
A news story by 9to5 Mac reports that Apple plans to refine the AirPods to work without any hiccups even while users are vacationing on a beach or strolling on the icy winter snow.
Read Also: Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods - Which Models Can Get It?
Apple AirPods Patents Ultrasonic Tech
To withstand water, the latest patent from Apple suggests stuffing the AirPods with some ultrasonic tech.
According to the latest update by Patently Apple, the United States Patent & Trademark Office published a new patent straight from the makers of AirPods, iPhones, and Macs.
The patent application of Apple seeks to give future AirPods Pro, as well as the AirPods Max, ultrasonic touch sensors, allowing these wireless devices to work properly even in wet conditions.
Not to mention that the ultrasonic sensors are also expected to make the AirPods more usable even when users are forced to wear their gloves during wintertime.
Patently Apple notes that the current touch sensors of AirPods are having a bit of trouble in cases wherein rain, water, sweat, and gloves come in contact with it.
A person takes a photo of a set of wireless Apple AirPods during a media event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California on September 07, 2016.
On the other hand, the ultrasonic touch technology is more friendly with water and even gloves, thanks to its long-range touch sensing capabilities.
The AirPods patent claims that "Ultrasonic touch sensing systems can be less affected when conductive, electrically-floating liquids (e.g., water droplets) or insulated objects (e.g., gloved fingers) come into contact with its touch-sensitive surface."
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