Apple has won a patent for the new 3D Structural design previously seen with the Mac Pro tower and back of the Pro Display XDR.
Affectionately dubbed as the "Cheese Grater," the design is part of the 77 new patents the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted to Apple.
But, is it really a legitimate patent, or just early entry for 'April Fool's Day'?
Apple new patent: iPhone 'Cheese Grater'?
In June 2019, TechCrunch described that the Mac Pro's lattice-designed tower was designed to be highly modular and accessible for repairs and replacements that help with the overall thermal management.
Apple's recently approved "Housing Construction" patent, which was granted patent number 10,966,343, describes the structure as follows:
"An electronic device, comprising: a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; the body defining a pattern of repeating base units extending between the first surface and the second surface."
The filing seemed to suggest that Apple could use the patented three-dimensional structure on all of its future devices and even added illustrations on how the company can apply it on an iPhone.
Apple described that the design "correspond to any form of electronic device," such as:
- Computers
- Tablet computer
- Mobile communication device
- Media storage device
- Portable media player
- Wearable electronic device
- Portable digital assistant ("PDA")
- GPS unit, a remote-control device
As an iPhone housing, the patent describes that the "cheese grater" pattern can be partially formed and include regions with a three-dimensional structure.
It continued that the "cheese grater" design is not limited for use as device housing, as it could substantially define a part of the device's exterior surface at the least.
"The [iPhone] can also include internal components, such as processors, memory, circuit boards, batteries, sensors, and other similar electronic and structural components," the patent reads.
In addition, the patent mentioned that the "cheese grater" pattern could "act as shielding for the electronic device, while still allowing for air flow there through," referring to shielding against electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Lastly, the patent noted that Apple could utilize the "cheese grater" pattern on components to provide a "unique and pleasing look and feel for a user."
Is it an Apple 'April Fools Day' prank?
Some users may have expressed their excitement about the new design, but several reviews are quite reserved to the idea. Especially since April Fools' day is around the corner.
MacRumors concluded on Tuesday, Mar. 30, that the patent filings might provide insight into the research areas Apple is focusing on, but not the company's actual plans for their future products.
Commenters on MacRumors' article even dismissed the idea as an April Fools prank, with one saying, "It's not April 1st yet, too soon MR!"
Meanwhile, Gizmodo expressed their solid rejection of the idea in an article published the same day.
"Absolutely not," the article reads, adding that consumers do not deserve to pay a hefty sum for a device that heavily resembles a golf ball.
Related Article: Apple iPhone, iPad, iMac, iPod: Here's What The 'i' Means
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Lee Mercado
