Apple's last few iPhones, including the latest iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, might have disappointed many of its fans due to lack of innovation in design and specifications. But there are possibilities that the brand could have saved the best for its upcoming device dubbed as the iPhone 7, which could turn out to be a game-changer if the company's patents are any indication.
The release date of Apple's devices has become obvious as it has the tradition of launching its flagship devices at around the same time of the year, mostly after its latest device completes one-year-cycle. So, the upcoming iPhone 7 is also expected to be released in September next year like its predecessor.
Going by the reports that have appeared so far, the future iPhone is expected to be as slim as the iPod Touch and iPad Air 2, powered by A10 chip, powerful camera with six-element lenses and possibly sans its iconic Home button.
More than these, Apple patents have hinted at a device quite different from other iPhones. The company filed a few patents last year and earlier this year, but they have not been implemented in the recently released iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
Here are some of the noticeable Apple patents:
1) Protective Mechanism for an Electronic Device: Apple was awarded this patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office, and it claims that the technology that uses vibration motor to adjust gravity will make sure that a device doesn't fall on the screen. If implemented, users don't have to worry about accidental slip of their device.
2) Touch Surface for Simulating Materials: This technology is about a device recognising hand gestures made by touching a surface.
"A system for simulating materials using touch surfaces includes a touch surface, an actuator and/or an temperature control device, and a control unit. The control unit controls the actuator or the temperature control device to cause at least a portion of the touch surface to simulate a material. Such control may include utilizing the actuator to vibrate the surface to simulate the tactile sensation of texture," said the patent.
3) Mirror Tilt Actuation: This patent is about improving picture quality with the use of image sensors and "OIS adjusts the direction of the field of view of the camera to compensate for user motion."
"Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another," said the patent.
4) Elevated Joystick: This technology will enable an Apple device to transform into an elevated joystick with a touch and then fall back to original state with just a push. It will change mobile phone gaming if it is implemented.
It is still not known if Apple will introduce these technologies in its upcoming iPhone 7, but fans and gadget lovers alike will be happy if at least a couple of them are seen on it.
