Smartphones have gotten slimmer over the years and the more expensive models have even adopted materials that add to a premium feel. However, these make the devices a lot more susceptible to scratches and dents, with the Apple iPhone being one great example. But a new patent has hinted at the company working on making its handset a lot more resilient.

Apple patent reveals a scratch resistant design on the iPhone

The Cupertino based giant was recently awarded a new patent with the USPTO titled “Spatial Composites.” This patent basically talks about the iPhone maker using a new process of embedding materials like ceramic and metal into the housing casing of the smartphone. This would help make the shell of the device more scratch resistant and can endure more punishment. Furthermore, the materials could be formed into different sizes that connect with each other that would help it avoid dents as well.

With these more resistant materials and embedding process, Apple could basically make its iPhone structurally more robust. It would add to its overall hardness while possibly not losing on flexibility by changing its density. To put things simply, the housing could be more harder on the corners to make it better resist dents and scratches. Meaning, the brand is making different areas of the housing offer better protection.

In the patent, it is described that this process is for mobile devices like smartphones, watches, tablets, laptops, notebooks, music playback devices, and more. So we might soon see a big shift in Apple product design in terms of the materials it uses to make its gadgets even more durable. Keep in mind that this is still just a patent and it will likely take years to actually hit the market.

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(Via)

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Apple‘s interest in foldable technology is not new, as the company has been granted several patents in recent years related to the technology. The latest patent, which was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, describes a foldable display that is designed to be crack-resistant. This could potentially address one of the main concerns with foldable devices, which is their fragility.

The patent with patent number US-20230011092-A1 relates to a display that is made up of multiple layers, including a flexible substrate, a thin-film transistor layer, and a protective layer. The protective layer is designed to prevent cracks from forming in the flexible substrate, which is the part of the display that is most susceptible to damage.

In addition to the crack-resistant display, Apple has also been granted a patent for a self-healing display. This technology would allow the display to recover from small scratches, which is another common issue with foldable devices.

While many experts believe that a foldable iPhone is unlikely, there have been reports of a possible foldable iPad. This would allow Apple to experiment with the technology and refine it before potentially releasing a foldable iPhone. A foldable iPad would also be less risky for the company, as the iPad is a less important product in Apple’s portfolio compared to the iPhone.

With more and more companies entering the foldable market, including Google with its upcoming Pixel Fold, it seems likely that we will see a foldable device from Apple in the near future. This new patent and previous ones on self-healing displays will likely be a key factor in the development of Apple’s foldable device, bringing more durability and reliability to the foldable form factor.

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Apple has filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that would allow iPhone users to use the device in the rain. Smartphones are built to withstand some moisture, however, most of them fail in conditions such as rain or even underwater. This makes it difficult for users to operate the device with wet fingers or on a wet display. 

Apple’s patent suggests that future iPhones could adapt to moisture events by automatically adjusting the on-screen display, control buttons, and sensors. The pressure and moisture sensors will help detect and eliminate any false touches that may be triggered by liquid on the screen. The on-screen controls will be arranged accordingly by moving them apart, changing their size, or removing them. 

Additionally, the iPhone’s capacitive display would change to a pressure-sensitive screen similar to the brand’s no longer used Force Touch and 3D Touch technologies. This means that a user will need to apply greater pressure than the predetermined threshold depending on the type of moisture event. 

Apple’s patent document shows the iPhone’s camera app working in dry, wet, and underwater modes. Depending on the modes, changes are made to the camera UI. In the wet mode, some camera features are automatically removed from the UI so that they can’t be activated. On the other hand, in underwater mode, the buttons are extra large in size and without access to any other settings. The smartphone’s display will also show the current depth of the device to keep it within the limits of water resistance. 

This is just a patent filing so readers must take this article with a grain of salt. Not every patented technology makes it to the final product. It also might take some time before we start seeing this feature in smartphones. 

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A new Apple patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) indicates that Apple is planning to deliver a keyboard device that essentially functions as a portable Apple computer – a Mac. The patent document indicates that Apple made the filing in 2020 and the intended device is a computer in an input device, which is an innovative proposition.

Apple is pursuing research in the direction of portable computing devices which are also capable of delivering high performance. This will also imply the development of compact PCs that serve the needed purposes while still being easy to deploy on the go. The new patent could see more compact components from the bulky counterparts in the Apple Mac. The keyboard compartment will contain processors, batteries, memory, integrated circuits, and all the needed elements that will make it deliver the same experience when the keyboard is hooked up to a monitor.

The patent documents also indicate that the materials that will be used for the magic keyboard will be heat-conductive to efficiently dissipate heat generated while in operation. The patent also mentions the possibility of having a foldable magic keyboard which will further enhance its compactness.

There are no clear directions on the hardware to deploy to transform the patent into an actual Apple product. A patent filing is also not a definitive confirmation of ongoing research along that line. Subsequent Apple activity on the patent will indicate whether it is indeed pursuing its development or not.

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Apple is apparently working on a new technology that would help it detect the users’ body movement and positioning. This technology is being made for future AirPods and will work in tandem with the Fitness+ workouts.

The new system will also be used to assist the Spatial Audio feature, but when paired with the Cupertino based giant’s Fitness+, things get a bit more interesting. For those unaware, Fitness+ is an Apple service that basically helps assists users with their physical exercises. However, this service doesn’t offer a dedicated instructor, so there was no way for the company to know that users actually completed the workout or even if they did it properly.

At the moment, the only reliable method of finding out if you’re working out is through Apple Watch. But now, the iPhone maker has recently patented a “Wireless Ear Bud System With Pose Detection” (Via AppleInsider). As the name suggests, it is a system that can detect the user’s body positions. The patent application describes it as a “host electronic device may communicate wirelessly with the ear buds and may form part of an ear bud system that supplies the user with coaching and feedback while evaluating user performance of a head movement routine or other exercise routine.”

The patent says that the ear buds will gather acceleromete data and may also “use a rotation matrix.” It further adds that “The data in the neutral reference frame may be analyzed using a user head pose look up table to categorize measured user head positions as corresponding to respective user head poses.” Meaning, Apple might be able to track fine movements as well, to detect when, say, an arm is being raised over your head.

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The convergence in technology and the similarity of some components used by Apple for manufacturing iPads and MacBooks, is fueling research on technology to bridge the gap between the iPad and the MacBook. According to Patently Apple, a new patent granted the Cupertino-based company shows a hinged keyboard mechanism that could provide the keyboard environment and support that will effectively allow an iPad to function as a MacBook Pro. The new keyboard design goes beyond just attaching a keyboard to an iPad and could be an exciting product if it comes out.

Apple had previously dismissed the idea of convergence of an iPad to a Mac, but new technologies, in combination with the patent, may have put the possibility in a fresh perspective. The patent is a fascinating glimpse into a possible future direction for Apple. The patent describes a base system with an electromechanical keyboard and a hinged coupler that can attach to the iPad in multiple modes including laptop and reverse display mode. In the base position, multiple input devices could be attached to the iPad. These include a keyboard, trackpad, and a touchscreen display. These are input options for the tablet computing device. Magnetic connection and wireless charging Apple pencil. The configuration also provides for a second display.

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There are several possibilities with the new Apple patent but whether it will eventually become a commercial product is a different issue. It will be interesting to see how this product evolves if indeed Apple is pursuing its development.

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(source)

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Apple has just filed a new patent with the USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office) earlier this week. The patent is for a unique new privacy feature that only reveals the content on iPhone through special glasses.

According to a PatentlyApple report (Via 9To5Mac), the patent in question describes a system that can display “vision corrected graphical outputs and standard graphical outputs on an electronic device.” However, a notable aspect of this system was the “Privacy Eyewear,” which can block other people around the user from seeing the content being displayed on the iPhone’s screen. Furthermore, the only way to see what’s on the display is through a special glasses.

Notably, the patent arrives amid rumors of the Cupertino based giant working on a mixed reality based headset and even an AR (Augmented Reality) based glasses. In other words, we might see this feature ship with these wearable products, which could even be a major selling point for the brand. Apart from just the new privacy feature, the iPhone maker is also working on on profiles for Face ID. The patent talks about an additional system that will be capable of differentiating between unique details on the user’s face. This includes aspects like hairstyles, beard, mustache, glasses, sunglasses, and more.

This feature could even make its way to the company’s Mac series of PCs as Touch ID lets users quickly switch accounts simply by scanning their fingerprints. So, it might be another seamless biometric verification system offered to the users. Although, this is still just a patent at the moment, so take this report with a pinch of salt for now.

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Apple had been rumored to launch new MacBook Pro laptops with a notch on the display. The recent launch of the latest MacBooks confirmed this rumor, although, a 2020 patent from the company has revealed that the notch design had been in the plans but with additional functionality.

The patent in question was first spotted by PatentlyApple back in March 2020 and showcased future iMac and MacBook Pro with a notch that appeared similar to the notch on iPhones. While the newly launched MacBook Pros feature a notch that houses its front facing camera, TrueTone sensor, and other sensors, it does not offer any form of biometric authentication based system like Face ID.

However, the patent describes the Macs with Face ID support on their notches. As per the patent, this system enabled the device to capture “face gestures and emotions, video chatting, generating emoji, encrypting data, unlocking the computing device, supplementing passwords, differentiating different users, and the like.” In other words, the newly launched MacBook Pros might have been initially slated to support Face ID as well, but it seems that the feature will likely be included in future iterations of the notebook.

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A new patent filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office indicates that Apple is developing a removable key that will be part of the accessories of future MacBooks. It could serve as a precision mouse for swift navigation of the display. Aptly termed the Deployable Key Mouse, the patent filing details a description of what the key will look like and its possible performance in a MacBook.

The standard-looking scissor system keyboard of the MacBook will be retained in the new design, but in addition, it features a removable key that is hidden from view. Embedded in the key will be a position sensor that can be used as a pointing device to provide a comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for the PC.

The new tech device will be a boon for precision tasks like graphic design, computer-assisted design, and modeling, as well as editing documents. These tasks are better served with a hand-held mouse than the conventional trackpad. However, the patent Deployable Key Mouse will serve the purpose of the mouse without adding a piece of visible luggage to the MacBook.

According to the patent document, the new key will be battery-powered and will be located towards the edge of the keyboard in a seemingly hidden area. There are no further indications of whether the key can accomplish several other tasks, although the patent filing does not directly indicate that the product will become a reality. It may just be evidence of future plans which may be modified or totally thrown away before it goes to production. Obviously, whatever the case, the concept of a deployable key for future MacBooks will suit the desires of a segment of Apple customers, especially professionals who desire precision in their tasks.

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(via)

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Apple is apparently working on a new and innovative hydration sensor, which will be used on its wearable products. A new patent has revealed the new technology that is the first of its kind for its Apple Watch.

The patent was first spotted by PatentlyApple on the USPTO and was titled as “Hydration measurement with a watch.” In this patent, the Cupertino based tech giant added that “Traditional techniques for tracking hydration are generally invasive, expensive, or unreliable.” This refers to all the existing methods that determine hydration through methods such as a single test fluid sample. So, in other words, the company is working on a new technology that would not require such a process.

The patent describes a hydration sensor that uses non invasive electrodes that are placed against the skin. Apple describes this method as a “reliable and elegant” solution that would work by measuring the electrical properties of the Apple Watch user’s sweat. The patent adds that “a high level of electrical conductance of the perspiration can indicate a high concentration of electrolytes and a low level of hydration. By further example, a low level of electrical conductance of the perspiration can indicate a low concentration of electrolytes and a high level of hydration.”

Notably, the patent description also describes the sensor’s function in detail. The iPhone maker adds that its hydration tracking system will function “non invasively, repeatedly, accurately, automatically, and with minimal user intervention.” The patent also states that users’ hydration levels are an integral and important aspect of their health. It is especially important to provide this data after the user performs physical activities like working out since it offers a structured water intake management system that also encourages the user.

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Recently, we had reported on rumors that suggested that Apple might be planning on removing the Touch Bar from its MacBook Pro lineup entirely. While the next gen MacBook is still a while away, a new concept render has just surfaced, which replaces the Touch Bar with a Pencil dock.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a new patent from the Cupertino based giant that depicts a MacBook Pro with a Pencil dock rather than a Touch Bar. This dock is housed exactly where a Touch Bar would be placed, which is right above the keyboard. The dock is also built into the laptop so it can be closed while a Pencil is placed there. Apparently, the Pencil dock could also have the company replace the Top F key row with the functional symbols being illuminated on the Pencil itself.

Furthermore, designer Sarang Sheth (Via 9To5Mac) made 3D concept render models of this patent to showcase the design in more detail. Looking at these renders, one can observe that the new MacBook Pro would features touch gestures with the inclusion of the Pencil but it will also feature a much smaller version of the Touch Bar for Siri and quick access to certain applications as well.

Unfortunately, this is still just a patent as of right now and we have no way of knowing if Apple is actually planning on having a Pencil dock on its next gen MacBook Pro models. Although, it does confirm that the iPhone maker has considered the idea of removing the Touch Bar in favor of another system. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple has been rumored to be planning on launching the iPhone 14 with a full screen front body, with no notches. Now, the company has just been awarded a new patent for under display cameras for Touch ID and Face ID.

The Cupertino based giant had filed the patent with the USPTO, which was regarding camera sensors being embedded under the display. The patent also describes that these sensors will be used for biometric authetication systems, namely Touch ID and Face ID. Apple stated that the current iPhone design has the image sensors be placed next to the display with the notch. But, future generations will arrive with these cameras being housed underneath the display.

The iPhone maker added that this system can be used for both Face ID and Touch ID. Although, employing both security systems together might please more customers. Notably, we had recently also reported on the company reportedly planning on bringing Face ID to its Macs as well within the next couple of years. The earlier iterations of the under screen solution had faced a lot of issues like degraded quality, however, improved versions have made it to the commercial market in certain smartphones.

Keep in mind that this is still just a patent and we have no way of confirming if the brand is actually working on such a system or is simply covering all bases. If it is being developed, we can expect it to make its way to multiple Apple products like MacBooks and iPads, apart from just the iPhones.

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Apple is apparently researching a method to make the glass on the front of an iPhone thinner and stronger. The company aims to achieve this by making a special support structure that will be used around the edges, which will also be made of glass.

The Cupertino based giant filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (Via AppleInsider), which was titled “Insert molding around glass members for portable electronic devices.” For those unaware, smartphones and other mobile devices, or even larger displays uses glass panels on the front of the actual displays. This panel serves the primary function of protecting the screen on the inside from direct impact and scratches. It is often used in a manner to make the display fit seamlessly with the design of any device.

Now, the new patent from Apple states that it will have the same glass cover stick out from the rest of the enclosure, similar to curved displays, although it aims to maintain the thinness of the main glass sections overall. In simpler terms, while the glass might stick out from the design, it won’t add to the girth of the device as it will be thinner. However, thinness usually compromises on strength, but the iPhone maker seeks to employ a solution that has it adopt a glass structure around the edges of the glass cover.

This glass structure will act as an intermediary between the primary enclosure and the thin glass cover. It will also have a lip on the outside edge surrounding where the glass cover will be placed. Unfortunately, this is still a patent and it is unclear if the company is actually planning on incorporating this solution into its future products. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple is working on a new biometric technology that will be able to track blood pressure by utilizing neutral networks and seismocardiogram data. This would remove the need for a blood pressure cuff.

According to a recent patent publication (Via AppleInsider), the Cupertino based giant is working on a wearable device that could be paired with Apple Watch. This technology might be capable of monitoring a user’s blood pressure in the future without the need for any additional peripherals. In the patent application titled “Interpretable neural networks for cuffless blood pressure estimation,” the company describes the use of neutral networks to estimate blood pressure using seismocardiogram data.

This device would use a seismocardiogram measures the micro vibrations produced by the heart beating rather than using electrocardiogram, which uses an electrical signals to monitor heart rate. While seismocardiogram devices that are small do already exist, these “wearables” are usually placed over a user’s sternum to measure minute vibrations in or near the heart. So, it is unclear how the iPhone maker aims to implement this new technology.

The patent from the company also states that the system would function by using an individually pruned neutral network. This neural network would then be capable of estimating blood pressure based on the recorded data. Keep in mind, that this is just a patent at the moment and could just be the company’s attempt to cover all bases, so take this report with a pinch of salt and stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple has been working on a new system, as per a recent patent filing. This new technology would help determine when an iPhone will run out of charge. The patent was filed with the US Patent & Trademark Office and was granted earlier this week.

According to a 9To5Mac report, the Cupertino based giant has patented a new system that can warn iPhone users on when their device is expected to run out. The patent is titled “smart advice to charge notification.” In other words, rather than aiding in saving the battery life as most other iOS features do, the new system is solely built to enable users to know how the battery of their iPhones will last during the day, which would be based on their recent usage.

At the moment, Apple users only get informed that the battery is low, once the device only has about 20 percent charge left. So, the new system would make the notification a lot more useful thanks to its personalized prompt. The company even gave an example where a user might have forgotten to charge their iPhone overnight and would receive a notification just before leaving for work the next morning.

For Mac users, a similar feature is already available, with the macOS showing the user the estimated battery life left. However, the patent details a more complex system, as it would also identify the user’s behaviour on different days of the week to adjust the battery alerts for each day accordingly. Furthermore, it would also work based on the user’s location, although, the company reinforces that the data would be processed and stored locally to preserve user privacy.

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The long rumored Apple Glass might arrive with holograms to offer 3D objects in a virtual environment. This technology will be used to make the virtual objects seem more natural.

According an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant has filed another new patent for its upcoming “Apple Glass.” In the patent, it is clear that the company is looking into 3D way of displaying information to the wearer along with realistic audio effects as well. While the brand has filed for various patents over the last couple of months, the latest one places an emphasis for improving the 3D experience offered by the device.

As per the patent, the company aims to make the user feel “as if they were physically in that environment,” through the use of “Scene camera,” by UK-based inventors Richard J. Topliss and Michael David Simmonds. The patent further states that the “virtual reality systems may display stereoscopic scenes to users in order to create an illusion of depth, and a computer may adjust the scene content in real-time to provide the illusion of the user moving within the scene.”

It further adds that “When the user views images through a virtual reality system, the user may thus feel as if they are moving within the scenes from a first-person point of view.” The glasses capture the real world as seen by the user and then presents information based on the scene being observed in the real world. So when the user moves, the scene camera also changes to better adapt its 3D environment. Furthermore, a large part of the patent is also based around solving potential issues caused by having projectors and other devices mounted at the side of the glasses.

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Apple has just patented a new design for a future Apple Watch, which features a unique wrap around flexible display. This means that the wearable would also arrive with a digitally customizable band.

According to a MacRumors report, the Cupertino based giant filed a new patent titled “Display Module and System Applications,” which was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In this document, the company outlines the design for a unique flexible display that would span the entire length of the band of its smartwatch. This display would have to be flexible enough to contour to the shape of the users’ arm to fit like a regular watch’s band.

The iPhone maker also explained the design, which would include a display with a “plurality of interconnects” that extends “through the display substrate from the front surface to the back surface, and an array of LEDs are in the display area and electrically connected with the plurality of interconnects.” Furthermore, the wearable’s battery, processor, ambient light sensor, and other crucial components can be fixed with an enclosure on the rear of the large display panel.

The patent also points out that the OLED display might be sensitive to air and moisture degradation without a protective glass cover along with other “problematic” issues due to the use of “interconnects.” On the other hand, the design would enable the company to offer “minimized” bezels around the display for a more appealing design, or even possibly “eliminate” the bezel entirely. Unfortunately, it is unknown if the company is actually working on such a product or covering all bases.

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Apple is apparently looking into the battery swell issue that occasionally affects the aging batteries of its iPhones. The company has filed two new patents that describe a new system that can detect the battery swelling problem at its early stages.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant plans on tackling the issue by detecting its early signs. The two patents are related to reducing the size o the device, while also allowing it to detect battery swelling. Both the technologies will go hand in hand and will work together for a smaller handset that can still guarantee the safety of the users. The technologies will also be an important part of the company’s goals to achieve in making smaller devices that users can carry or wear on a daily.

Thus, the patent arrives as a means to ensure it can reach its goal without compromising on safety, since reducing the battery casing size would also need to have the battery swelling issue to be taken into account. Battery swelling is an issue that plagues every kind of cell that uses the lithium ion design. Hence, Apple is working on positioning components that surround the battery. This new system would then enable larger devices in the device enclosure without damaging other parts.

Furthermore, the patent also describes the use of a metal shell that will be placed around the battery housing. This will be grounded and would allow for components to be packed closer to the battery, which will reduce the chances of damage to such parts even if the battery swells up. The second patent describes using multiple solutions to detect and mitigate battery swelling. Apart from just detecting, the system could use a processor to best determine how to slow the expansion or to even prevent it. Unfortunately, this is just a patent at the moment so there is still a while before we’ll see this technology being used. So stay tuned.

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Apple iPhones might arrive with a new flash technology in the near future. The company has recently filed for a patent for an auto diffusing flash module, which would enable improved photography during low light scenarios.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant might be working on a new flash technology that could help its iPhone’s performance in night scenes. Generally, using flash in low light scenes tends to over illuminate the subject in an image and the result can even be a flattened shot, which would also suffer from a white tint and lack of depth. So, while it is usually used sparingly, there are times when one has to use the flash.

Looking at the patent filing, it is for a “Light source module with adjustable focus.” This implies that the flash mechanism can be altered or adjusted depending on the subject being photographed. While the patent does not mention the word LiDAR, it does mention “auto-focus information from the camera.” Furthermore, the patent also indicates that the new flash will rely on the iPhone camera to calculate distances to different objects within the frame.

The patent also stresses that this tech can be applied to cameras in various different types of devices, which includes “larger electronic device, including a mobile electronic device, which can include a mobile telephone, smartphone, notebook, etc.” It further adds that the flash would feature a “light source module [that] includes an illumination element and an adjustable light diffusing material.” This module may be made from “a polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT), a smectic phase liquid crystal, a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC), or other suitable material.”

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Apple has just patented a new technology that might bring its Face ID and Touch ID. This technology is based on a sensor that will be housed underneath the display, which will be able to detect light through the screen.

According to a WccFTech report, the Cupertino based giant filed a new patent application that shares details on a new technology that can detect light through the display. As of right now, the notch on iPhones has still been one of the biggest aspects of its designs that have been criticized. This was first seen in the iPhone X, meanwhile, smartphones from other OEMs have adopted various different designs like water drop notch or even a punch hole selfie shooter.

And now, it seems like Apple might also be looking to move its iPhones towards a full front screen body design in the near future. The patent is titled “Sensing System for Detection of Light Incident to a Light Emitting Layer of an Electronic Device Display.” Apple plans to house a light detecting sensor under the screen itself, which will be capable of working with Touch ID and Face ID biometric authentication systems.

Furthermore, the company patented two potential implementations of the technology. The light sensor will be embedded behind the display will be capable of assembling an image of the object touching the screen. In the patent, the company also mentions that the system would use an ambient sensor. Additionally, a second implementation would use an array of photodiodes or solar cells to assemble the pixels of the image. Unfortunately, it is still unknown if the company is actually working on such a product or just covering all bases.

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Apple was recently granted a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office. This patent was for various different types of Magnetic Smart Connector systems that might be used in the company’s iPads and iPhones.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the Cupertino based giant has patented various styles of smart connectors. This patent arrives despite wireless charging being the direction the company is taking. But, it seems that the magnetic connectors are still an option being contemplated by Apple. For those unaware, the first smart magnetic connector used in an Apple product was the iPad, which was able to connect to the accompanying smart keyboard.

The new patent from the iPhone maker covers the various forms of the connectors for an accessory device, which is capable of delivering power and data with an electronic device. Looking at the patent sketches, the connector includes a recessed point of contact that are capable of magnetically attach to an electronic device that supports it. An alternative design of the smart connector was also patented for iPhones. This variant was designed to keep water and debris from entering the handset.

In other words, Apple might be considering this technology to arrive with future iPhone models. These connectors and ports can be observed in multiple designs with one being a sliding connection, while another featured rounded connector pins that go into a compatible port on the iPhone. Unfortunately, it is unknown if the company is actually working on such a design or just covering all bases. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple is currently researching ways to reduce the appearance of fingerprints and smudges that form on metallic surfaces of its gadgets. This is another hint that the company might soon be launching products with titanium.

According to a MacRumors report, a recent patent from the Cupertino based giant was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office. This patent was titled “Oxide coatings for metal surfaces” and described in details how a thin coating can significantly reduce the appearance of fingerprints on the metallic surfaces of its products. Just last month, the company had patented titanium device enclosures, which also reveals its plans to add the material to its future devices.

This could include products like MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones, which may arrive with titanium casings with a distinctive textured finish. Furthermore, the latest patent describes the use of oxide coatings, which again stresses the advantages of using titanium on consumer electronics products with terms like “high strength, stiffness, and hardness.” Through the patent, Apple highlights that titanium is more susceptible to fingerprint than other metals.

While the oleophobic coatings are usually used to reduce fingerprints from glass surfaces, the coating does not work as well with metallic surfaces like Titanium. The patent is indicative of its interests in using titanium for its devices, which has even led it to patent related technologies and solutions as well. Unfortunately, this is still just a patent and could be the company’s attempts to simply cover all bases. So take this this report with a grain of salt and stay tuned for more updates.

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The Apple Glass might be paired with a magnetic glove to interact with the company’s long rumored AR and VR gadget. This product would use magnetic fields to determine the location of the users’ individual fingers.

According to an AppleInsider report, current day VR headsets arrive with a hand held controllers face an issue. While these systems can tell the location of the users’ hand in relation to the headset, these controllers are not able to accurately finding out the position of users’ individual fingers. in other words, hand held controllers might not be a great tool with AR headsets (augmented reality), where one might have to grab onto a physical object or other items necessary for AR applications.

Thus, this magnetic glove might be even more useful for the Apple Glass, which is the Cupertino based giant’s long rumored AR glasses that may be paired with a controller less system for its interaction. This glove was seen in a recent patent that was filed by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent was titled “Magnetic sensor based proximity sensing.” This suggests that the iPhone maker could be creating a smart glove gadget that can accurately map the location of the users’ fingertips.

The patent states that this can be achieved through magnetic sensing technology. Apple could be implementing this technology through coil based magnetic field generator with a specific modulation, which would be situated on the back of a hand. These magnetic sensor could then be attached to each fingertip that would enable accurate mapping of the distance between these tips and the source. Unfortunately, it is unknown if the company is actually working on such a product or is just covering all bases, so stay tuned.

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Apple is apparently working on making tweaks to the internal components of one of its most popular wearable products. The company is planning to make various parts of the Apple Watch to help in improving the device’s wireless reception.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant is working on improving the reception of its WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, UWB, and other antenna functions. The company is working on adding more utility to the components of the Apple Watch, by having them be incorporated with antennas. In other words, these different components could essentially serve the purpose of boosting wireless reception at different parts of the smartwatch.

A recent patent titled “Electronic Devices Having Millimeter Wave Ranging Capabilities” was spotted that described a “phased antenna array.” This means that instead of using a single bulky antenna under the hood that takes up too much space on the insider, the company wishes to spread it out via smaller antennas embedded on different parts and across the chassis. Essentially, spreading out the “wireless communications circuitry.”

Furthermore, embedding the antennas to various locals/spreading it out would improve the reception of wireless signals. The patent application details multiple different ways of adding a phased antenna array, stated that this would help in “conveying first signals at a first frequency between 10GHz and 300GHz and a non-millimeter wave antenna for conveying second signals at a second frequency below 10GHz.” At the moment, it is unknown if the company would actually end up implementing this in future Apple Watches, so stay tuned for more.

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Earlier this week, Apple was granted a new patent that was related to its upcoming Project Titan. The new patent was for technology related to assisting the driver’s visibility to help in poor weather conditions.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the Cupertino based giant was recently granted the patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office, which is related to its Project Titan. The document in question is regarding a new visibility system that is designed to assist drivers in viewing key road signs. This would be especially useful in bad weather conditions like heavy snow, thick fogs or smogs, and even dust. In driving, visibility is a very crucial aspect, which heavily ties into safety as well.

Thus, in low visibility conditions, a system that helps drivers in seeing other vehicles on the road or other hazards could reduce the risk of accidents or any other incidents. As per the patent, the vehicle with this system would be able to lower the risk of collision by utilizing an additional system that features radar systems, vision based cameras, and even light detection and ranging through LiDAR technology. Since poor weather conditions could also affect the reliability of the visibility system, like water vapor that can absorb or scatter light, improving detectability is paramount to such systems.

The patent granted to Apple covers a retroreflector system that includes a “plurality of retroreflectors.” In other words, the retroreflectors are configured to reflect a radar signal, a light, a LiDAR signal, or any other type of signal to a respective signal source. This might even have the sensor being partially embedded in an outer panel of the vehicle, which can be configured to allow the radar signal to pass through to the plurality of retroreflectors. While the system is described in detail, it is still unknown if Apple is actually working on such a product. So stay tuned.

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While Apple had previously been rumored to include a periscopic zoom lens in its iPhones last year, the company has yet to launch a smartphone with a dedicated camera with magnification capabilities. But, it seems that the technology is still in the works as the company patented a ‘Periscopic Camera Module’.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a new patent application, earlier today (29th January 2021). In the documents, the Cupertino based giant’s invention is for a folding camera technology with a range of 85 to 165mm. This folded camera could perhaps be used in a small form factor camera module. The patented camera features two light folding elements and a lens system located between these two elements.

Furthermore, the lens system itself may be independent from the light folding elements and it may also include an aperture stop and lens element with a refractive power mounted in a lens barrel. In simpler terms, the camera system could essentially offer superior optical zoom capabilities paired with additional digital zoom functionality as well. We can expect this technology to arrive in future iPhones, although, it is currently unknown if the new camera lens would ship with the 2021 iPhone lineup.

Notably, the patent document also added that this camera lens is not just limited to the iPhone and we could even see it debut in a “a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet or pad device, slate, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation,” and many other such devices. Meaning, this could just be Apple covering all bases at the moment. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Earlier today (26th January 2021), an Apple patent application was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent is for future foldable devices from the company, which would sport multiple integrated cameras.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the new patent is related to future foldable devices from Apple. These devices may arrive with multiple cameras that are integrated into the flexible housing that could greatly improve the panoramic imaging capabilities of the foldable smartphone. The cameras in question are housed in different locations on the frame that provides various different angles of view to the sensors as well.

In the patent, the Cupertino based giant notes that it can be difficult to capture panoramic shots with a traditional wide angle camera on an iPhone. Due to slight movements of the users’ hands, the resulting image might come out as blurry. Other factors like a partially changing or moving scene/subject can also lead to the feature being impractical as well. Thus, Apple has aimed to work on the issue on devices with a “flexible housing formed from flexible fabric, flexible polymer, or other flexible materials.”

In other words, these devices could potentially sport multiple cameras that are mounted at different locations across the flexible housing. These cameras might be able to capture multiple images of a single. Similarly, the sensors could also be panned outward to capture overlapping images of a scene that are then stitched together to form a composite panoramic image. At the moment, it is currently unknown if Apple is actually working on such a device or just covering all bases. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple has just been granted a new patent that is related to its Face ID biometric security system. The patent details a next gen advancement in facial recognition technology, which apparently uses facial heat mapping for authentication.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the US Patent and Trademark Office awarded the Cupertino based giant the new patent. At the moment, a biometric form of security is a highly common feature in most smartphones and exists in one form or the other. Examples being both fingerprint recognition or facial recognition technology. Now, Apple seems to be working on the next gen Face ID technology, which maps heat on the users’ face for authentication.

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Traditionally, the facial recognition technology we see today mostly uses the user’s face in a captured image. However, a major drawback to this method is that any obstruction like glasses, masks, or hair could potentially hamper the authentication process. This is where the new Apple patent comes in, which maps heat from the users’ face. The occlusion heat map may be in the form of a grid that represents different regions of the face’s surface.

In other words, a determined value of occlusion for these regions might be taken as the unique signature which is recorded by a device. Meaning, each persons’ unique facial heat signature can be used to unlock an Apple device. This could help remove the issues faced by conventional facial recognition technology and also enable the company to continue using its Face ID system, which has become rather impractical after the pandemic due to the more common use of face masks.

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Apple has just been granted a patent for a new and interesting iPhone case. This case is unique as it can both house and charge AirPods. The company was granted the patent by the USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office).

According to a PatentlyApple report, the Cupertino based giant has patented a new iPhone case that features built in AirPods receptacle and charger. Apple has applied for multiple different designs and types of cases for the iPhone. Variants of the new charging case can have the AirPods carrier and charging area located either on the top of the device, on the rear, and even on the inside of a flip cover in one particular case. While it may sound simple, the patent describes in detail the technology behind it.

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An example being the version in which the charging component and AirPods carrier is placed on the top, the sides give away to the cavity in which the TWS earbuds are housed. Furthermore, the insides of the case can house a magnet, a possible display panel for the rear, internal circuitry, a battery pack, and even magnets that support the case. Another version has the AirPods charging mount on the rear.

One of the versions includes a flip cover, with the external portion of the flip having a screen, which displays notifications and other essential information. In other words, aside from just offering an integrated charging solution for two of its products, Apple is also considering expanding the functionality of the iPhone case. This would make carrying the AirPods even more convenient for users, who would no longer need to carry the charging case as well.

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Apple has made sure about a couple of patents that portrays a MacBook wirelessly charging iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, Patently Apple reports. Looking all the more carefully at the patent papers incidentally, Apple needs to incorporate wireless charging loops into the MacBook’s undercarriage. In addition, the coils work in two different ways, they can get power, hence wirelessly charging the PC itself or charge different gadgets.

The thought is a perfect one, given all the links and chargers one should take when voyaging. Numerous individuals as of now utilize their MacBooks to charge telephones and other little devices however in the good old, wired way. Here’s a passage from one of the patents:

Patent Claim #1: “A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having a back surface and defining an opening opposite from the back surface; a display positioned within the opening of the enclosure; a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil positioned separate from the first inductive coil, both the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil being positioned within the enclosure and between the display and the back surface of the enclosure, and operable to wirelessly transmit power to, or receive power from, an external device positioned proximate to the enclosure; and a first alignment component positioned adjacent to the first inductive coil and a second alignment component positioned adjacent to the second inductive coil, wherein the first alignment component is arranged in a first configuration, and the second alignment component is arranged in a second configuration different from the first configuration.”

There are 40 patent cases in the two papers, however, the general picture is clear. You take your MacBook with its charger and that is it. No compelling reason to manage iPhone chargers, cables, proprietary Watch chargers, etc. The MacBook’s reverse wireless charging itself is an intriguing choice – we wager it would require an incredibly powerful wireless charger to make this choice commercial. Similarly, as with all patents, we shouldn’t get our expectations high, despite the fact that putting a wireless charging loop into a laptop doesn’t appear to be serious.

This won’t be the first laptop to adopt wireless charging. Wireless charging capabilities on laptops go back to 2017 when the Dell Latitude 7285 was launched packing a wireless charging coil. There is a wireless charging mat that charges the laptop when it is placed on top of the mat.

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A new Apple patent has just surfaced. It was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office and was granted to the company for a Mac keyboard, which has reconfigurable small displays built in each key.

According to a 9To5Mac report, the small display on each key allows the keyboard to show different characters, which can be configured based on the users’ preferences. While this sounds similar in function to the TouchBar, the new keyboard would still feature physical keys, although, the patent reveals that the keys on this new keyboard houses a tiny display instead of regular engraved labels for each individual key.

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Looking at the patent, it is also revealed that these keys support dynamic labeling, which is generated by an LED display with pixel arrays. These tiny displays do not offer a high resolution or any other high end features and are just focused around displayed the basic characters of a given language. In other words, it would also enable users to set up a completely unique keyboard layout, by changing the key labels.

This has a wide area of implications, as users might even be given the option to configure their new Apple MacBooks for different profiles for gaming, programming, video editing, and others as well. The Cupertino based giant would basically only need to create a single keyboard model, with the only difference being the language being displayed on the keys, based on the region the Mac is being sold in. The new keyboard was patented for both the built in keyboard for MacBooks and even the standalone keyboards for Mac desktops like Mac mini, iMac, and the Mac Pro.

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The long rumored Apple Glass has been spotted in yet another patent application. This time we see the company’s AR smart glasses arrive with lenses that are able to adjust to the ambient lighting.

According to a PhoneArena report, the Cupertino based giant has filed a new patent application USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office). The patent is titled “Display System With Localized Optical Adjustments,” which is suggestive of the Apple Glass’ feature. Furthermore, the application also talks about “Localized Optical Adjustments,” which refers to the changes in the lenses in the Apple Glass. In simpler terms, the lens will automatically adjust based on the ambient lighting in the real world around the user.

So, Apple Glass would be able to adjust the lenses as per bright light or night time scenarios. In the patent, Apple states that “An adjustable lens system may be adjusted dynamically to accommodate different users and/or different operating situations. Adjustable light modulators may be used to selectively darken parts of a user’s field of view.”

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Further adding that “a head-mounted display system is being used to display computer-generated content that overlaps real-world objects, the brightness of the real-world objects can be selectively decreased to enhance the visibility of the computer-generated content. In particular, a spatially addressable adjustable light modulator may be used to generate a dark region that overlaps a bright real-world object that is overlapped by computer-generated content in the upper right corner of a user’s field of view.”

This basically implies that Apple is trying to adjust the brightness of the real world, so it can make the information being displayed to the user more visible through the glasses. In other words, the view of the object and its brightness through the glasses is adjusted to match the brightness of the real world, with adjustments for each lens being individual.

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Future Apple iPhones might arrive with larger screens that could have Touch ID fingerprint reader and antennas embedded into the display. This could offer better WiFi and cellular connectivity and boost reception for the company’s devices.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant might be working on offering its users better signal reception while still providing a secure user authentication system as well. This would also lead to thinner bezels and notches, offering more screen estate to its customers. The company could achieve this by having both the Touch ID and antennas being housed under the display.

In the past, it was reported on multiple occasions that Apple is working on an in display fingerprint reader for its Touch ID system. Various patents had surfaced over the course of last year, which touched on topics like acoustic imaging, infrared, and more. Furthermore, these features have also been subject to many rumors and claims from known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and his leaks on Twitter.

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Apart from Touch ID being housed under the display, the company has also applied for related patents that cover using these layers to house an RF antenna into the display. Since signals require the WiFi and cellular antennas to be exposed, having one that takes up an entire side over a single thin band is better for the connectivity and reception for the device. This was described in Apple’s recent patent titled, “Display Integratable Hybrid Transparent Antenna.”

The patent application reads, “Today’s wireless systems (smart watches or other devices with a predominant display feature, for example) are striving to achieve an edge-to-edge display with a smaller bezel or bezel-less display solution. Especially for wearable devices, such as smart watches, smart glasses, or smart health-related monitoring devices, the display is small and the number of wireless radios (e.g., Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 3G/4G/LTE, FM, and so forth) that need to be supported and the related antennas is increasing.”

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A new Apple patent has surfaced again, which has the company detail the mechanism of a unique hinge design. It is known that the company has been working on many different ideas through these patents, with the latest one showcasing how a display can expand along with the hinge articulation points for what could possibly be a future foldable iPhone.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based had one of its patent applications be recently published earlier this week. The patent was titled “Electronic devices having folding expandable displays.” Apple has patented certain designs for a foldable iPhone in the past, and this arrives as another proof that the company will launch a foldable handset sometime in the future.

However, a notable aspect regarding the latest patent is the company’s work on the hinge structure. Looking at the patent, a multi link hinge structure can be observed, which means that the hinge isn’t comprised of one single mechanism but multiple complex structures in its entirety. The patent also states that the hinge structure could include “gear teeth, belts, and/or other movement synchronization structures” and may also feature “members that move relative to each other during bending.”

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Furthermore, these moving components could also include compromise bars and links with opposing curved bearing surfaces. This would include stop surfaces as well that can “prevent excessive rotation of the bars and links with respect to each other.” The links might even be able to rotate around a pivot point that lies somewhere in the display separate from the hinge structure “living within the thickness of the display.”

In simpler terms, the patent could possibly be for a form of expandable display iPhone or even an iPhone with a slide out display. This is indicative by the “housing structures that support folding motions, sliding motions, scrolling motions, and/or other behavior,” which might be for a compact device that can offer additional screen real estate. Unfortunately, it is still too early to tell what this display technology is actually for. Apple might just include it in a product apart from the iPhone as well. So stay tuned for more updates.

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While there have been multiple rumors regarding an Apple AR/VR headset and its features, a recent report states that it might sport fluid filled lenses that will allow it to also work for users with bad eyesight.

According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant’s augmented reality/virtual reality headset might feature fluids that can deform to the shape of lens to help improve the eyesight of the user. In either an AR or VR headset, the integral aspect is the ability to see the virtual content. However, since a headset will generally have the display at a close proximity of the users’ eye, which might cause discomfort overtime. Generally, a VR headset uses optical lenses positioned between the eyes and the screen, so being able to adjust the perceived focal distance for the user might make it more comfortable to use.

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At the moment, the technology used generally would have the lenses shift distances from the user to change the perceived focal length. Furthermore, this still creates an issue if the user has bad eyesight, which may require a change in lenses to completely remove the issue. This would cause users to remove their glasses before using the VR headsets since changing the lenses isn’t practical. But Apple might be able to working on a fix for the issue with a recent patent titled, “Electronic device with a tunable lens.”

In the patent, the company suggests that the problem of lens selection and switching could be eliminated by using a single lens system. The iPhone maker proposes taking advantage of fluid and pressure to make adjustments through a malleable lens that would require little input from the user. To sum things up, Apple might be working on creating a series of lens components around a central fluid chamber, which can be adjusted by inflating or emptying to change their optical properties.

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Earlier today (1st December 2020), an Apple patent was published by the US Patent & Trademark Office. This new trademark was related to next gen AirPods and future Apple over the ear headphones, which will support a new sensor for bioauthetication.

Looking at the patent, we can observe that the new hearables arrive with various sensors that use self-mixing interferometry signals of a self-mixing interferometry sensor to recognize user inputs. In simpler terms, the devices can map the users’ input through voice commands or silent gesture commands. These sensors might be “used for bioauthentication and/or audio conditioning of received sound or voice inputs to a microphone.”

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For those unaware, the silent gesture aspect implies that the device would be able to detect inaudible words forming with the jaw and tongue of the user. In other words, the sensor on the headphones might be able to detect skin deformations and detect any possible commands through it. One of the image also showcased an AR/VR headset from Apple. This headset might feature similar sensors that can detect both voice commands and silent gestures from the user, as per a PatentlyApple report.

The patented bioauthetication circuit and its related processor may be used to store vocie patterns from the user. Meaning, the users voice patterns could be stored locally in the headphones or next gen AirPods and could use learning algorithms to train the security system to better recognize the users’ voice. Unfortunately, this is still just a patent and we have no way of confirming if the company is actually working on such a product at the moment. The feature does seem interesting, although, its real world applications are still at uncertain.

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Sometime in the near future, newer models of the Apple iPhones might be able to run even faster without warming up too much through MagSafe equipped smart cooling cases. These cases would effectively let the device run at higher temperature when the case is detected.

For those unaware, the speed or performance of a smartphone is generally limited by two aspects, namely battery draw and temperature. So when a device undergoes heavy workloads, it tends to get warmer, which is a phenomenon that affects many kinds of electronics gadgets and not just smartphones. An example being desktop PCs, laptops, and even tablets like iPads.

Since smartphones or other portable gadgets need to be thin and light, thermal management becomes an even bigger issue to deal with. The heat is not just uncomfortable for the user but could even harm the internal components. While better cooling components or peripherals are available for PCs or laptops, the smartphones industry has yet to adopt a similar accessory due to the idea of maintaining portability.

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But a new patent seems to be addressing the issue, at least for the Apple iPhones at the moment. According to an AppleInsider report, a recent patent titled “Smart case for a portable electronic device,” from the Cupertino based giant was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office earlier this week. In the patent, the company aims to allow the processor to run faster and hotter if it detects a smart case being used.

In the patent, the company suggests a case that has embedded magnets that can generate a magnetic field, which can be detected by iPhones and iPads. After detecting the case, the device could raise its thermal operating threshold. The patent also suggests that Apple might be looking into adding other benefits into the case, which might be related to a cooling system that could further assist the handset’s thermal performance.

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Apple has just recently been granted a patent for the next generation of Touch ID. The company had filed a patent application back in 2019, which was for an infrared light technology that is housed under the display.

The patent was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, which involved a new image sensor that is housed under the device’s screen. Looking at the patent, the primary element is the new optical imaging system that will emit a shortwave infrared light through the display, while a photosensitive element will be configured to receive a reflection from the interface surface to map the image of the users’ fingers.

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In other words, it is what appears to be an in display fingerprint scanner from the Cupertino based giant. The Apple patent also places a heavy emphasis on this “Shortwave Infrared light,” which is a crucial component of what appears to be next generation Touch ID.

Unfortunately, this is just a patent, and have no way of actually knowing if the company is developing or actively working with the technology at the moment. Furthermore, Apple has also been mainly focusing on Face ID for its flagship iPhones. Although, we might see this technology implemented on iPads or even a few budget iPhones in the near future.

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A new patent filing has revealed that Apple is working on creating a new protective layer that will be crack resistant on foldable displays. These screens would be scratch resistant as well and will also be more durable overall.

According to a MacRumors report, a filing in the US Patent and Trademark Office titled “Hybrid coverlay/window structure for flexible display applications,” describes how a curved, flexible, or foldable display modules could use a protective hardcoat layer to prevent cracking. This suggests that Apple might be working on solving the cracking issue that has been affecting some foldable devices from Samsung.

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As stated in the patent, “typically, glass fracture initiates from the presence of micro-cracks.” But, Apple’s hardcoat layer would fill pre existing micro cracks, which should make it harder for the display to suffer from a severe crack. This additional protective layer would be placed directly on top of the display and would be “engineered to have a sufficiently high hardness and tensile strength to function as an exterior protective coating for the electronic device… Thus, the hardcoat layer is sufficiently durable for high puncture and scratch resistance.”

Although, there currently is no news regarding Apple’s first foldable device or even a rumor of an upcoming launch. Regardless, the company has patented many supplementing technology and has researched on the topic as well. Back in September, there was a report that suggested that the Cupertino based giant had placed a large order for foldable display samples with Samsung.

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Earlier today (25th September 2020), the US Patent and Trademark Office published a continuation patent application from Apple. The patent was titled “Dynamic Focus 3D Display,” which details a VR/AR headset that sends images directly to users’ pupils.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the device detailed in the patents works to direct a retinal projector system that provides dynamic focusing for a head mounted display. Through this, a superior experience is delivered in either VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality) than what the current generation achieves. This is also quite different from the traditional system of displaying content in a headset.

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The Apple patent also covers an apparatus and method for providing dynamic focusing on virtual reality or augmented reality. While conventional VR systems project images left to right on a screen that is viewed by the user, a direct retinal projector system scans images, pixels by pixel, and sends it directly to the retinas. This method could allow for AR/VR content to have another level of depth and immersion in each scene. In other words, the system could adjust the depth of the content being displays in accordance with the user’s positional in VR or AR.

The system could even help to minimize or eliminate the convergence-accommodation conflict in VR systems. Apple detailed the system through various detailed sketches in the patent. Unfortunately, it is still too early to tell if the Cupertino based giant is actually working on such a device or whether it is just covering all bases and patenting the technology, which might make an appearance of its upcoming Apple Glasses.

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