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Is Apple planning to make next year's iPhone water-proof? Patents the company holds indicate a distinct possibility.

BGR reports that one of Apple's patents published this week details electronically-controlled shutters for openings, which can be activated either automatically or through user commands. The shutters would prevent entry of water into the phone through key openings, including the speaker or the microphone. These shutters would operate from within, without affecting the overall appearance of the phone.

It is not known if Apple would manufacture a phone with the technology. As Apple Insider reveals, the patent is titled 'Electronic devices with housing port shutters'. The company could employ the technology in just about any device it makes.

Water proofing a phone allows a phone-maker to promote the phone with the feature. Though the iPhone 6S is better equipped than all its predecessors to handle water, Apple has not tagged it a water-proof phone. However, if it were to use one of its patented systems to keep water away next year(Apple has another patent that allows a device to electrically expel liquid), the iPhone 7 could indeed water-proof.

In other news, reports have emerged claiming Apple could switch to OLED screens in 2018. If the Cupertino giant names its phones as it currently does, iPhone 8 could be the first to feature an OLED screen. Reports had emerged earlier this year claiming OLED screens could be introduced in next year's iPhone but analysts were quick to rule out the possibility. OLED screens are more power efficient than LCD screens and have better contrasts.