Every time a new iPhone comes out, Apple makes a big deal out of new colors and new design to make everyone want one and then everyone sticks a case on it. But based on a new patent that Apple just obtained, that may not be the case any longer.
As reported by Patently Apple, Apple was recently granted a patent for “an abrasion-resistant glass or metal back panel” that could be used in iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The trick is to use “more than one material for the chassis”. The patent deals specifically with metal and ceramics, although the method can be used on other materials as well.
According to the patent, Apple has developed a “moldable matrix” composed of “abrasion resistant elements” that are harder than the surrounding materials. The diagram shows a series of “beads” which are “distributed in a regular pattern” with an average distance between 10 and 100 microns, practically imperceptible. It also shows how the Apple logo and camera would be in areas free of abrasion-resistant elements.
It’s an interesting patent and could be close to realization. It’s probably not the kind of feature that would be like a new camera or screen, but it would be a huge selling point for people who put their iPhone in a case. Even though Apple sells several different iPhone cases, it would almost certainly be better if people were walking around with “naked” iPhones – as you can see on any Apple TV+ show – so it wouldn’t be surprising to see this surface in an iPhone as soon as the iPhone 16.
