Apple Inc. (AAPL) May Use Sapphire In Future Devices

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A recently published patent application from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office shows us a published patent application that could be utilized for iOS devices. Interesting enough, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has already integrated sapphire into their iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S. The former has a sapphire lens cover to protect the rear lens on the phone. The latter features sapphire integrated into the fingerprint sensor.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) May Use Sapphire In Future Devices

Apple is constantly evolving their materials and design

Since we can already see how Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has utilized this precious stone into their hardware, it’s only a matter of time until we see how the iPhone maker takes it to a whole new level. This particular patent application shows how sapphire could be used as the central design element, but it could integrated with glass. It should be noted that Apple is constantly evolving their materials and design. It’s not all that surprising that the company is utilizing the element to it’s fullest.

Apple’s New Patent

Apple Insider shares the details on the patent filing, stating: “A new patent filing published on Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, simply titled “Sapphire Laminates,” shows the company is actively working on processes that can make the expensive gemstone a viable option for the mass production of consumer electronics. First filed for in March, the invention looks to alleviate costs associated with preparing sapphire, or corundum, for use as an extremely scratch-resistant display covering or even as part of a device’s screen. As noted in the patent language, the cost of sapphire is only part of the problem. The same properties that make corundum an asset also make it difficult to prepare. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) gives the example of cutting and polishing the material, which is more time consuming when applying traditional techniques. In addition, the machines are rapidly worn down due to the stone’s hardness.”

The anticipation for the next great iPhone has begun.

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