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Glass-backed iMacs a future possibility as Apple granted a patent for fused-glass housings

Apple could be considering not just a return to glass-backed iPhones, but even replacing the aluminum backs of iMacs and monitors with glass at some stage, reveals a newly-granted patent published today. One of the illustrations appears to show an iMac-style device, while others show something looking like an iPhone (below) … 

A return to glass-backed iPhones, anyone?

As Patently Apple notes, it’s unusual to see Jony Ive listed as one of the inventors of a patent that extends beyond pure design, though this one is clearly heavily design-oriented.

The usual caveat of course applies: Apple patents a huge number of things that never make it into products, and this patent could describe nothing more than a more efficient way of making existing iMacs. The patent includes “a peripheral glass member that extends around at least some peripheral edge portions” (similar to existing iMacs and Thunderbolt Displays) as well as the alternative shown above, where glass is used for the entire housing.

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Comments

  1. bradmacpro - 9 years ago

    Back to the see-into-the-guts of the early iMacs? If it makes it easier to service, that would be a welcome feature.

  2. rafterman11 - 9 years ago

    Great, let make Macs even more expensive.

  3. mpias3785 - 9 years ago

    Why?

  4. rogifan - 9 years ago

    Actually Jony Ive is listed on 59 Apple utility patents including early multitouch patents as well as Apple’s proximity detector patent. He’s also listed on a couple force touch patent applications.

  5. jbslough - 9 years ago

    Because the iMac isn’t heavy enough already.

    • iphonery - 9 years ago

      Wow really! It sits on a desk, not your lap. Who cares if it’s heavier?

      • jbslough - 9 years ago

        Sometimes you have to move them. And then I work for UPS.

  6. Let’s hope this patent is oriented to build transparent displays. That will be heavily “design-oriented”!

  7. DJ Miller - 9 years ago

    The future is glass

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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