Apple seems to be wanting to equip the new generation of iPhones with a high level of scratch and abrasion resistance.
According to GizChina , Apple has been granted a new patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office for the material ” Spatial Composites The Spatial Composites patent means that Apple is working on a new material to keep the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch better protected against scratches on the body
The company wants to make sure users won’t need to rely on a protective case to protect their devices. This is completely justified because before, these devices themselves were covered with screen protectors.
Based on what the patent describes, Apple will create a scratch-resistant back using wear-resistant materials. This material can be integrated into the iPhone’s frame to make it stronger. Inventors of Spatial Composites include Christopher Prest, Stephen Lynch, and Teodor Dabov. They are all engineers working for Apple.
Apple explains the different materials used in the production of smartphones and its scratch resistance. According to the company, although plastic does not interfere with radio connections on smartphones, it is not scratch-resistant. Metals, on the other hand, are more resistant but cause radio signal interference. Ceramic is also resistant to scratches and does not interfere with radio connections, but is not durable
Describing Spatial Composites, the patent says it is a composite blend of metal and ceramic with the properties of scratch resistance, high strength, and minimal interference. The new technology will combine with Crystal Shield technology, which was previously developed by Apple to protect the screen from scratches, helping to improve the device’s endurance. As a result, iPhone users can keep their new look after months or years of continuous use without a protective case.
However, this is only a patent granted to Apple. In the event that the company applies it to iPhone production, it will take a few more years, meaning the iPhone 15 series or even the iPhone 16 series is still not able to apply Spatial Composites