Apple reportedly considers turning the iconic Apple logo on the iPhone into a notification light, according to a recent patent filing.
Compared to other smartphones in the market, the iPhone has had the same clean, minimalist design since it was first introduced back in 2007. The device may have incorporated several nifty features over the years, but it pretty much has the same aesthetics as its original version.
This might all change with future iPhones as Apple is rumored to be mulling over the possibility of giving the device some brand new design features. One of these could see the rear-facing Apple logo transformed into a glowing light whenever there are notifications.
New Apple Patent Filing
In a report by Apple Insider, Apple appears to have filed a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week.
Titled "Electronic Devices with Adjustable Decoration," the request pertains to several decorative elements possibly being added to the back cover of the iPhone. This could come in the form of a glowing Apple logo, or additional pieces of trim along the edge of the device.
The technology could consist of a transparent layer with adjustable optical components, which could help change how things that are seen through the layer would look like. It could also include other elements such as a tint, a haze layer, a mirror layer, color filters, and a thin-film interference filter. These could be used to produce a wide array of visual effects and opacities.
By connecting the decoration to the iPhone's control circuitry, users would be able to adjust the decorative function using the device's operating system.
A command could be added to the iPhone's Settings app that would give the rear Apple logo a reflective yellow color when activated. It could also change the logo's appearance to either make it stand out or to have it blend in with the rest of the device's casing.
Stylish And Functional
The new feature is meant to add some personalized elements to the iPhone's design, but it could also be used in conjunction with more practical functions.
The patent application describes the potential of using decorative elements as a way to notify users about various events. The iPhone could switch between mirrored and plain states to let its owner know that there is an incoming call. This could come in handy, especially when the device is placed screen down on a surface while not in use.
The design concept could also be used for other Apple devices such as MacBooks. The tech company could have the rear Apple logos on its laptops glow to serve as a notification light to users.
However, Apple patent applications don't necessarily mean that they could become actual new products or services . It's important to note that the company files for new patents weekly as part of its research and development efforts.
