Apple has been granted a new patent for a glass iPhone with touch-sensitive edges. According to the application, the device will have six glass sides, created from two main panels that will form a single housing: a front with smooth, rounded edges and a back.
The thickness of the glass around the edges will vary to create graceful curves, and all details will be connected, giving the smartphone the appearance of a single piece of glass. Inside the housing will be a touchscreen display capable of displaying content on each side of the device and responding to touches on any edge.
The screen will partially fit around the edges and side panels, creating the illusion of a fully active surface. Micro-holes will be provided in the glass for the microphone and speaker, but will be masked to avoid compromising the integrity and smoothness of the housing.
The idea of a "monolithic" glass iPhone dates back to the vision of former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, who referred to future smartphones as "single glass bricks." While mass production of such a model is still a long way off, the next step will be the iPhone 17 Air, the company's thinnest phone ever.
