With the iPhone being such a major part of technology in the past decade or so, it's difficult to think of a single feature making even more waves in Apple's flagship smartphone collection. Yet, the company continues to do so. A new patent has emerged suggesting another significant advancement for iPhone loyalists, specifically one that could lead to waterproof handsets in the line.

According to a report from Apple Insider, Apple applied for a patent for an "electronic device with hidden connector". This patent involves protecting electronic connections from various elements by designing a self-healing elastomeric material, where probes are able to puncture the elastomer which is able to seal itself upon pulling it out.

The elastomer is described as a silicon material and reportedly can be applied to the headphone jack or inside the cylindrical housing so the smartphone is secure from contaminants such as water.

It hasn't been revealed yet whether Apple is certainly using this new technology for the upcoming iPhone models already in development, but the patent application is in line with recent rumors of the iPhone 7's supposed waterproof body.

A report from Phone Arena last September revealed that the next iPhone version will sport an even tougher body than the newest installments' Series 7000 aluminum. The iPhone 7 will reportedly be waterproof, made with ultra-strong materials that let water in the handset without compromising it. It will also reportedly have dual SIM capabilities and volume manufacturing of the handset is said to be on the low side.

Tech Gadget Central compiles all the features the iPhone 7 is speculated to have so far, although no official word has been revealed on Apple's end. The smartphone, said to be the thinnest iPhone model yet, is up for several design tweaks including the loss of the physical home button. According to the report, Apple is exploring the possibility of a button-free device that only sports one big touchscreen.

Since the home button is being planned to be phased out, the fingerprint sensor will be at the back of the iPhone 7 instead. It's also expected to feature the brand's new signature Force Touch, as it has earned rave reviews in the latest iPhone models to hit the market.

Other significant rumored features of the iPhone 7 include a dual back camera, wireless charging and a wraparound screen that is expected to revitalize the Apple aesthetic. An A10 processor and 3GB of RAM round up the speculation around the upcoming flagship phone.