Yet another innovative initiative by Apple is on the cards. The makers of the iPhone has filed a patent titled the “disappearing button or slider”. If the technology does make it to the market, it is possible that iPhones and iPads in the future may have buttons and slider controls that are not visible to the naked eye.
The patented document reveal that buttons in iPhone and other devices using this technology will remain hidden by default and will appear when required. PatentlyApple.com said “this was one of at least 34 patents granted to Apple by the US Patent and Trademark Office on May 7. The input devices and display systems may become visible when illuminated from behind through micro-perforated holes that are invisible to the naked eye”. It seems the function can also be activated with the motion of user’s finger. Heat or sound detection could also activate the function.
Apple has been working on this patent since 2006. Apple said that this technology can also be used for other devices such as remote controls, game players and even Macs.
The production for the iPhone 5S is expected to begin next month, so there is a high possibility that this technology will feature in the iPhone 6 or beyond.
Source: PatentlyApple