2019 iPhones Rumored to Feature New 3D Touch Tech, Waterproof Displays

Apple may be working on some major changes to the display and touch mechanism on future iPhones, according to a new report.

The rumors come from a recent video published by YouTube channel EverythingApplePro in collaboration with XDA Developer Portal’s Max Weinbach. According to an insider source cited by the two, Apple is working on an updated version of 3D Touch and fully waterproof displays.

First off, 3D Touch. EverythingApplePro suggests that the feature isn’t going away, as was previously rumored.

Instead, Apple is apparently developing an advancement of the taptic engine that powers 3D Touch. A new iPhone may sport an upgraded version that covers a 3×3 grid across the entire display.

That will allow for more precise haptic feedback and a boost to the tactile response of screen inputs. While feedback for taps and gesture could be significantly improved, the updated engine also has quite a bit of potential for integration with apps and games.

Secondly, and perhaps more notably, Apple is said to be working on an iPhone display that could work entirely underwater.

To be clear, all new iPhones feature some degree of water-resistance. But iPhone displays don’t really work properly when they’re wet. Just drop a few drops of water onto your iPhone’s screen and try to interact with it.

EverythingApplePro’s source indicates that the company has found a way around this. The result: an iPhone with a display that could function even when it’s completely surrounded by water.

This, of course, would allow an iPhone to be used in wet environments, such as by the pool or out in the rain. But it could also upgrade the potential for underwater photography and videography.

It would also be an industry first. All modern smartphones run into problems when their displays get wet, despite increasing levels of water-resistance across the smartphone market.

It’s worth noting that we can’t independently confirm whether the insider source has authentic information. On a similar note, EverythingApplePro admits that there’s no release timeline for these features. The insider source didn’t indicate whether these features will debut on the 2019 iPhone, or in an Apple flagship sometime in the future.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]