Apple’s latest patent unveils revolutionary new modular iPhone design
- Apple seems to be working on a modular iPhone design
- Their new patent suggests additional features that can be added to the smartphone
- These modules can even be changed on the fly
Published on Jun 29, 2024 at 2:57 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Jun 29, 2024 at 2:57 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Apple’s latest patent application suggests that a new iPhone design is on the way.
The new design seems to be heavily influenced by the recent Right To Repair legislation.
Due to that, Apple has patented an iPhone design with a removable back panel.
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New iPhone design
The new iPhone removable back panel will also be able to be swapped in and out for one or more additional features.
These additional features range from supplemental batteries to health monitoring devices, and even a second display.
However, don’t expect these changes from the next iPhone 16, that is coming out this year.
The next generation iPhone 16 will certainly have many new features, but it is quite unlikely that Apple will adopt a new design this early.
It should be noted that Apple likes to innovate slowly and surely. So it might be quite a while before we see such a smartphone.
Modular iPhone
The patent also shows a rear panel that includes an additional camera module.
According to the document, it would be connected via a spring clip system.
“The spring coupling element may be conductively coupled to the housing structure and may be configured to both mechanically and electrically couple to attachment features,” the patent explains.
With this mechanism, the back plates will be easily swappable.
One image also shows an array of different backplates, including a battery panel (very much needed), a camera module, and additional speakers.
This is not the first time a major smartphone company has tried to make a modular device.
Google had tried to make a modular smartphone via its Project Ara handset.
Unfortunately, it didn’t make it into production and got shelved in 2016.
However, there was also the LG G5 that had different modules, just like the ones shown in the new Apple iPhone patent.
But this patent should be taken with a grain of salt as it seems extremely far-fetched for Apple to adopt such a radical design.
And historically, patents are notoriously unreliable indicators of future devices.
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Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
