A new patent reveals Apple’s future plans for titanium iPhone, Mac, and iPad. At the end of January, we saw a patent in which the company explored how to give titanium the same smooth grainy finish characteristic of aluminum. This opened the door to the possibility of using this new material for Macs, iPhone, iPad, etc., a possibility that increases its options today with another patent related to this subject.
A patent shows Apple’s plans to create titanium iPhone, Mac and iPad
In recent leaks, we already saw the idea of using titanium as a manufacturing material on MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones. A material that, like aluminum, requires several treatments to achieve the look and performance Apple is looking for in its devices. The patent titled Oxide coatings for metal surfaces explores how to make the surface of the material resistant to fingerprints.
The patent acknowledges that titanium is stronger, stiffer, and harder, which would give the devices greater scratch resistance and, at the same time, using even thinner parts, would offer better resistance to bending. In addition, titanium is more resistant to corrosion than other metals.
As for disadvantages, Apple explains that, compared to other metals, titanium easily shows fingerprints on its surface, something that is largely due to the low reflectivity of the material.
However, one of the disadvantages of using titanium and its alloys is that fingerprint grease can easily be seen on bare titanium and titanium alloy surfaces, leaving unattractive marks on consumer electronics.
In the patent, the company gathers that a surface oxide finish could, with its uneven surface, diffuse the direct light an object receives and blur and fade visible fingerprints. A finish that could also be used on aluminum, steel (which iPhone 11 Pro and 12 Pro uses), magnesium or zirconium.
It is hard to make a prediction but what is clear is that Apple is researching new materials for its products. We have already enjoyed a titanium Apple Watch and this material could make the leap from our wrist to our desk.
