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Ever since their inception, phone cases have largely served just one purpose, i.e. to protect the device from fall damage by using materials such as plastic and carbon fibre. However, it looks like Apple might be looking to change this notion, as the US Patent and Trademark Office has recently awarded the company with a new patent which would allow them to develop an iPad case with an outer ring that not only safeguards the mobile device but also incorporates additional components and serves as a multifunctional kickstand.
The “Peripheral Housing for a Computing Device” patent, credited to six inventors, including renowned individuals such as Paul X. Wang and Keith J. Hendren, has the potential to revolutionize iPads by allowing users to prop them up on a table at adjustable angles, providing an improved viewing angle for watching videos. Additionally, the case itself will incorporate a substantial loop bumper that encircles all edges of the main unit, thus further protecting the device from fall damage.
In addition to the ergonomic benefits, the patent also notes that due to the recent advancements in component miniaturization, such as processors, batteries, memory, and integrated circuits, the bumper could also accommodate extra features such as batteries, cameras, and various accessories. This integration would enable Apple to make its devices even thinner potentially, thus further enhancing the user experience.
Still a patent
Although this new patent suggests that Apple has considered incorporating this design in a future model, it is also important to note that the patent does not guarantee the immediate implementation of the proposed technology in Apple’s devices. This is because the company files for numerous patents each year, and given that this patent would require the company to make significant redesigns for the iPad, it’s even more unlikely that such a device will ever see the light of day.