Something 'Glass' Is Afoot: Apple Patent Suggests Striking New iPad Design

Apple Inc. AAPL could design a forthcoming iPad model with a glass casing. 

What Happened: A newly revealed patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office titled “Glass Device Housings” suggests that Apple could create electronic devices almost entirely encased in glass, reported AppleInsider. 

See Also: Apple Finally Launches Much-Awaited’ Pay Later’ Service: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Apple’s approach to the concept involves utilizing several glass pieces that are merged through glass fusing. 

By fusing peripheral glass elements along the edge of planar glass components, the thickness of the edge could be increased, allowing for machining of the thickened edge to produce Apple’s iconic curved appearance. 

The patent suggests that raised fused glass features could reinforce openings, thus boosting tensile strength and raising support structure ribs.

Additionally, the patent proposes that several sheets of glass could be employed to construct a five-sided enclosure, within which electronics would be situated, followed by the placement of a final glass sheet on top.

Why It’s Important: The Tim Cook-led company has been investigating the possibility of all-glasses and glass-backed designs for some time, the report noted. 

Rumors from 2021 suggest that Apple is currently developing an iPad Pro model that will feature a “glass sandwich” design. 

Simultaneously, patents filed in 2021 suggest that the company is exploring ways to create an iPhone with a wraparound display entirely composed of glass. 

Check out more of Benzinga’s Consumer Tech coverage by following this link.

Read Next: Unlock An Apple TV+ Month For Free By Winning At ‘Tetris’