A new patent filed by Apple reveals a design for a new display which would altogether do away with the need for bezels on the next iPhone.
It seems that every year we’re greeted with a new concept image that denotes an all-glass iPhone with no bezels, yet now Apple has actually filed a patent which could lead to a mobile phone that eliminates the need for bezels or a top and bottom chin.
While a recent patent depicted a system through which Apple could integrate a fingerprint sensor underneath a device’s display, a new patent filed reveals a fused ambient light sensor and other types of sensors within a smartphone screen. Altogether, that means that no space around the display – a bezel, in other words -would be required to fit sensors along the sides of a smartphone display.
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That might well come with some caveats – it’s unlikely any portion of a screen with sensors placed underneath will benefit from touch response, which might prompt Apple to place non-interactive information there instead; feasibly, the company could use the iPhone’s information bar – which contains the time, network, and other status information – to fill this space.
The patent, should Apple to choose to utilize the technology described within, could effectively lead to an all-glass iPhone model; according to earlier rumours, we might see such a product next year as Apple is reportedly looking to shed the aluminium form factor the iPhone 6, 6s, and 7 have shared.
Read: Apple will reportedly axe the iPhone‘s home button in 2017
What are your thoughts? Do you prefer a phone with a metal construction, or would you like to see an all-glass iPhone? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
