Over the course of years, Apple has upgraded its iPhone lineup with several changes and has found success every time. Apple jumped from plastic to glass and has now excelled in implementing aluminium in its iPhones. Rumours are rife about Apple's plans to use a new material for its upcoming iPhone series, referred to as iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s.
Apple is planning to use a unique Liquidmetal and glass combination for its upcoming iPhones, leading a new standard in the competitive smartphone market. This will allow Apple to build a seamless exterior by eliminating any gaps between the Liquidmetal and glass. Apple had exclusive rights over the use of Liquidmetal since 2010 and the latest extension grants it exclusivity till 5 February, 2016, International Business Times, reports.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application on Thursday filed by Apple in August 2015, which details the process of binding glass and metal.
Titled "Methods and Systems for Integrally Trapping a Glass Insert in a Metal Bezel," the patent application describes a process that binds Liquidmetal and glass by heating the metal to insert a "transparent member" and then letting it cool until they are fused together. Glass or Sapphire, which is widely rumoured to be used in the future iPhones, can be used as a transparent material in this process.
According to an IBTimes report, Liquidmetal is a fluidic metal alloy that comprises zirconium, titanium, copper, aluminum and nickel.
There have been several rumours about iPhone 7 design, which by Apple's tradition will feature a massive overhaul. Apple is rumoured to be eliminating the Home button and the standard 3.5mm headphone jack to make the new iPhones slimmer. Rumour also has it that the iPhone 7 will feature a waterproof build, first in the history of iPhones.
The new iPhones are expected to arrive at their usual schedule, in September. Until then, the rumours will run their course.
