Apple Invents a Material that Could Hide iPhone's Unattractive Antenna Lines on the Back

[RaduTyrsina]

Maybe you weren't paying attention, but on the back of your iPhone there are two strips of plastic. This design element is present on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, or the iPhone 6/6Plus. That's where the device's antenna is located, but it seems that Apple isn't happy with their impact on the overall aspect of the phone.

That's why, according to a fresh patent application filed by Apple, it seems that the company is working on a composite material that looks like anodized metal, but still allows wireless signals to get through. This would allow the company to get rid of the less-than-flattering antenna lines. Here's what Apple says in its patent:

Many computing devices have outer housings and coverings that include metallic surfaces giving the devices an aesthetically pleasing and durable look and feel. Computing devices can also include any of a number of complex functional components. For example, many laptops include capacitive touch pads that allow a user to control movement of a cursor. Mobile phones and tables have radio frequency antennas that allow communication via radio frequency transmission.

The method includes converting a portion of a metal layer to a metal oxide layer that overlays an unconverted portion of the metal layer at a first surface of the metal oxide layer. The unconverted portion of the metal layer is viewable through the metal oxide layer. The method also involves exposing the first surface of the metal oxide layer by removing the unconverted portion of the metal layer. The method further involves forming the composite structure by applying an optically reflective layer that is substantially non-electrically capacitive on the exposed first surface of the metal oxide layer. The composite structure has the appearance of the anodized metal when viewed from a second surface of the metal oxide layer opposite the first surface.

Besides its iPhones, Apple could also be using this material to coat the touchpad on its Macs and to improve the technology of its touchscreens, as well. But, of course, as it's usually the case with Apple's patents, we can't be too sure if they will actually make it into a real product.

Source: iClarified

 

[spencerdl]

I hope this tecnology will be ready for the iPhone 7/7Plus