Apple Being Sued for iPhone 6 Touchscreen Problems

Apple, Inc. is currently being sued over problems associated with the touchscreen function of its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, like previous models, use capacitive touchscreen technology. This means they detect the user’s touch based on an electrical charge created by the user. When touching a capacitive device like the iPhone 6, it sends a small electrical charge that’s picked up and used to identify where exactly the touch occurred.

But some users are saying the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus touchscreen function isn’t working as intended. In a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this month, users allege that Apple has been aware of the touchscreen defect, and the company has failed to take the appropriate action to fix the issue. “The iPhones are not fit for the purpose of use as smartphones because of the touchscreen defect,” wrote plaintiffs from the lawsuit.

The defect is believed to be caused by a specific chip used in the production of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6. Affected devices have unresponsive touchscreens, which essentially makes them unusable.

Of course, Apple announced its iPhone 7 earlier this year. Here’s what we know about the company’s next-generation flagship smartphone.

New iOS 10 Notification

According to TheTelegraph, there are several clues hinting about a possible waterproof design in the iPhone 7. One such clue is a notification within Apple’s iOS 10, telling users to disconnect the lightning charger because liquid has been detected. While not a smoking gun per-se this could mean the iPhone 7 is waterproof, because other waterproof smartphones have displayed a similar notification.

No More 3.5mm Headphone Jack

The iPhone 7 will is also the first iPhone to NOT feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t connect a headphone to the next-generation iPhone. Rather, it will likely use the aforementioned lighting jack for this purpose.

So, why did Apple eliminate the 3.5mm headphone jack in its iPhone 7? Some sources believe this was a strategic move to make the handset waterproof, as a traditional headphone jack could provide an opening through which water can enter.

Apple’s New Patent

A third hint towards possible waterproof iPhone 7 lies in a patent recently filed by Apple. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) approved patent #9,412,183 B2 on August 9, 2016. This patent involves specifications for taking underwater photos, which could hint towards a possible waterproof iPhone 7.