Future Apple iPhones will no longer need to purchase additional back covers to protect them from scratches or blemishes. Because, the Cupertino based tech giant is coming up with a new way to make the back panel or chassis of their iPhone device more durable. Recently, Apple’s “Spatial Composites” patent has been approved. With this new technology, the company will be able to embed scratch resistant metal or ceramic into the iPhone’s chassis.
The reason why Apple makes iPhones scratch proof
Apple mentions in their patent that – devices such as mobile phones, watches and tablets fall from the hand and directly touch the surface. Due to which these devices are easily scratched or damaged. So the materials used in such products should use a combination of different properties – related to abrasion resistance, electromagnetic shielding etc.
Simply put, Apple plans to use special composites technology to prevent the expensive iPhone from being dropped or scratched due to user carelessness or an accident.
Pros and cons of different materials used to make Apple iPhones
The tech giant, led by Tim Cook, also discussed the pros and cons of different materials used in the iPhone chassis. For example, using metal or metal components – while preventing dents, scratches or breakages – may well prevent radio signals from entering or exiting the device, a metal chassis can cause obstructions.
In contrast, the ceramic housing will make the device’s panel scratch resistant and also keep the radio signal path open. But this type of material can be fragile.
In addition, using plastic will not cause any problem in the entry and exit of radio signals, besides this type of material will also make the body of the device more durable. But the downside is, they won’t be scratch or dent proof.
How does Apple plan to overcome the component mix problem?
Apple’s proposed solution to overcome the material-related problem is to use multiple components in the iPhone’s chassis. However, the organization may face challenges in adopting this approach. However, the tech giant has gone into this task with a tightrope. Because, the patent discusses how Apple will achieve their goal by assembling certain materials to create a durable and scratch-free chassis. As the patent states, an electronic device should have “abrasion-resistant materials at least partially embedded in the substrate (chassis component).”
In this case, the friction-resistant material can be composed of metal or ceramic. On the other hand, the substrate is composed of a moldable matrix. Note that abrasion-resistant materials are harder and stronger than moldable matrices. As a result, Apple may use this combination in their upcoming iPhones.
The “Spatial Composites” patent is credited to three inventors. One of which is Christopher D Preset. Preset, reported earlier, has been working on methods to use glass-ceramic materials in MagSafe systems, which allow data as well as power transmission.
