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The Cupertino-based tech giant, Apple is not a new contender for filing weird patents. Apple has filed patent applications for strange but innovative devices.
Many of these devices include a MacBook integrated iPhone, windowless car, VR Socks and even a self adjusting band for the Apple Watch. Now most of these devices never even get a concept release, however, it does show the creativity of Apple and the future of technology at its prime.
Out of all of these applications for whom Apple has filed patent applications for, is a foldable iMac that comes with an all glass design.
The Age of Foldables
According to a report by ‘PatentlyApple’ , the trademark for the all glass design foldable iMac was filed in the year 2022 at the “US Patent and Trademark Surface”. In the current era of technology, the flip and foldable devices in smartphones have become a familiar and welcome addition for quite some time but we are yet to see a foldable desktop.
The technological market has already familiarized themselves with a 360° hinge such as the Lenovo Yoga laptops. Thereby that laptop functions as a touch-tab or can be even removed from the keyboard itself. Also, they have already shown the capabilities of having a foldable laptop as well with the ThikPad X1 Fold. The next device to have a foldable feature is therefore, a desktop.
Apple might be working to bring this concept into a reality patent filed by Apple, it mentions that the desktop will neither have a dedicated hinge nor a foldable display, instead it will have a foldable glass that sweeps at the bottom.
The Elements of the Device
This particular iMac is supported by a rear stand, which may allow it to adjust the angle of viewing. The rear stand will also incorporate speakers at the side for the output of sound. The device also incorporates a trackpad and keyboard. Fascinatingly enough, the diagram in the patent clearly shows that there are dual track pads on the left and right side with the keyboard at the center.
This device is supposed to be an all-in-one (AIO) desktop with the capability to be portable. The patent states, “Apple’s patent FIG. 20B below the electronic device #2000 may be configured to fold or otherwise flex for storage, transportation, or other functionality.”
A foldable desktop with a portable capability, would be able to have a set up anywhere in a desktop-keyboard format and it will also have the functionality to be carried like a notebook.
The Possibility of a New Reality
It is marvelous to see this new foldable glass design of the iMac, but it is still a patent and hasn’t come to life, thereby, it is safe to assume that it may not be a reality in future. Hence, the audience should not expect any device of such to be coming out in the near future and specially at the September 12th event of Apple, known as the Wonderlust.
This is obviously not the first time that the company Apple has filed a strange patent for a unique device. In the month of July, it was reported that Apple has filed a patent for a MacBook with a DJ turntable which was titled under “Apple Patent Modularized Devices”.
The above mentioned involves a base that would accept multiple screens, keyboards and other devices in the form of attachments. This base would include a hinge that would allow the user to swivel the top and the bottom fitments.
