Apple is developing a new type of housing for smartphones iOS, made entirely of glass. According to the designers from Cupertino, glass body are more comfortable and aesthetically attractive.
Today in the United States Patent and Trademark Office U.S. Apple filed a new application, which describes a portable device with a housing made entirely of glass. According to this document, this shell is made of "a hollow glass tube," or from two pieces of glass bonded together. It is noted that the device is completely sealed.
Among the obvious advantages of such solutions, the glass is completely iPhone will also have a number of shortcomings. For example, despite the fact that this material is quite strong, especially in the case of Gorilla Glass 2 , it can be damaged during the fall. In addition, the phone is a lot of sensors, some of which may not work inside a transparent glass case. However, in his application Apple engineers considered the possibility of this problem, noting that some parts may be opaque.
In the patent application, Apple describes the new development:
"One of the reasons that lead to prefer glass to other materials, is that it is strong, tough, transparent, and transmits radio signals, so it is suitable material for the housing of an electronic device designed for wireless communication.
Glass shell will also provide a portable gadget unique, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Seamless casing provides additional benefits in the form of fewer places for dirt and moisture. "
Such housing can equip the next generation iPhone. In this version of the iPhone 4 and 4S is not so far from this concept - their body is composed of two glass panels and steel frames.