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Apple patents charging ports that detect liquid and prevent damage

Apple has filed a patent for a charging port design that can sense when a cable is plugged in and detect if liquid has entered the socket. The system uses specific metal contacts and springs to identify these conditions and limit electrical damage to the device.

Why it mattersThis could help protect expensive phones and laptops from water damage, a common issue for users who charge devices near sinks or in wet environments.

In the filing’s own words

Connector receptacles and connector receptacle interfaces that can detect a connection to a corresponding connector insert, can detect liquid in the connector receptacle, and can limit damage to the connector receptacle caused by the liquid.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A connector receptacle comprising: a tongue assembly comprising: a tongue comprising: a base and an extension portion; a first plurality of contacts on a top side of the extension portion; a second plurality of contacts on a bottom side of the extension portion; a first tab extending from the base and having a first opening; a second tab extending from the base and having a second opening; and a connection detection contact on the base; and a ground spring assembly comprising: a side ground spring having a contacting portion connected to a base portion of the side ground spring by an arm, the side ground spring further comprising a first spring to engage the connection detection contact on the base; a connection detection pin having a contacting portion connected to a base portion of the connection detection pin by an arm; and a housing molded around the base portion of the side ground spring and the base portion of the connection detection pin.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
LIQUID AND CONNECTION DETECTION
Publication number
US20260291151A1
Application number
19686744
Filed
May 24, 2026
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
15
Claims
20

Classified under

H01R 13/6683 Electricity & electronicsH01R 13/652 Electricity & electronicsH01R 24/60 Electricity & electronicsH01R 24/78 Electricity & electronicsH01R 2201/06 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.