The Apple iPhone 8 is a consistent feature of the rumor mill. Even though the device won't launch until September, we've got a good idea of what to expect from Cupertino this year. Apple will greatly overhaul the lineup this year, looking to hit two birds with one stone. The lineup turns 10 this year and Apple's due a lot of upgrades. To that end, several new features for the iPhone 8 have surfaced so far. Today, we've got more on the matter. Take a look below for more.
Apple Granted Patent For Laser Polishing Making Things Easier For Ceramic Use
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus use advanced build materials and technology. It's all about subtlety on the lineup, as Apple was hard pressed to make upgrades last year. The company upgraded its aluminum and manufacturing processes for the pair last year. As is customary for the company, Apple often tests upcoming design and technology in present devices. We saw the DCI-P3 make a debut on the iPad Pro 9.7 inch. The Apple Watch also provided ample testing grounds for haptic display.
Now, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus' manufacturing processes might hint towards something new brewing at Cupertino. Apple recently won a patent for laser polishing, enabling the company to use a lot of materials on the iPhone 8. We've heard rumors that suggest wireless charging for the device. More rumors of either ceramic or glass to accompany the feature often surface side by side. Today's patent will help Apple move towards this objective.
The materials with which Apple can experiment as a result of today's patent include liquid metal, zirconia, corundum, sapphire and more. "Apple's invention relates to techniques for polishing a portion of a surface of a ceramic component," notes Patently Apple. It highlights the fact that Cupertino can rely on Sapphire in the future with ease, as polishing the hard material is one of the major drawbacks behind its mass production. The patent will allow the company to control the movement of ions within the ceramic. It will achieve this by utilizing high temperatures and laser technology.
It's an interesting concept that is bound to show up in future iPhones, if not the iPhone 8. Given that Apple loves to perfect technology before implementing it, it's highly unlikely, if not impossible that the iPhone 8 will feature such manufacturing processes. Still, it goes to show that design and build is still a major part of Cupertino's philosophy. It's an element that doesn't see much attention these days. But of course, a lot of factors and assumptions will change with the iPhone 8.
Thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comments section below and stay tuned for the latest.
