Future Apple Watches may sport a better underwater user interface

Future Apple Watches may sport a better underwater user interface as evidenced by a newly granted Apple patent (number 10,969,941). It could also apply to iPhones, though the smartwatch is, obviously, the most likely to be used in and under water.

For example, the Apple Watch Series 6 is water resistant (up to 50 meters), but not waterproof, though it’s okay to swim in it. However, I suspect that at least some future versions of the smartwatch will be truly waterproof.

In the patent data, the tech giant notes that as electronic devices are manufactured to be water resistant or water proof, some users are using their electronic devices while engaging in water based activities or other activities that cause their electronic devices to come in contact with water or other liquids. Users will, in some circumstances, operate their electronic devices while the electronic devices are wet. 

Here’s the summary of the invention: “In some embodiments, a method includes at an electronic device with a display and one or more input devices, receiving a first request to display a user interface for accessing a first function of the electronic device. In response to receiving the first request, and in accordance with a determination that the electronic device is under water, the method includes displaying a first user interface for accessing the first function. In response to receiving the first request, and in accordance with a determination that the electronic device is not under water, the method also includes displaying a second user interface for accessing the first function.”