Apple’s Latest Patent Hints at an Exciting Future for iMacs

Apple has been granted a patent that could revolutionize the design of the iMac. The patent suggests that future iMacs could be made of a single sheet of glass that would extend the screen’s display by projecting it onto nearby surfaces, such as the wall behind the computer. The concept is incredibly futuristic, even for Apple’s trend-setting standards. The projected display would enhance the area used for providing visual output, according to the patent. The drawings show a regular iMac projecting information behind it, but the patent also mentions how the device may get in the way of its own projection.

According to an analysis by Apple Insider, the recently granted patent reveals that Apple intends to utilize the surfaces surrounding the iMac’s display.

“Housing Structures and Input-Output Devices For Electronic Devices,” claims that currently, a device’s chassis “may be formed from materials that are unsightly or that hinder the operation of input-output devices.”

“The rear housing wall may have a glass portion or other transparent structure through which projectors project images onto nearby surfaces and through which image sensors and other optical sensors receive light,” said the patent.

The documents describe how the rear housing wall may have a glass portion or another transparent structure through which image sensors and other optical sensors receive light. This could imply that the back of the iMac will be made of glass. However, Apple appears to be planning to make a future iMac invisible, effectively projecting a display across the room to expand the user’s screen size. Whatever parts of the projected screen would be blocked by the iMac would be displayed on the screen itself.

“Although portions… cannot be viewed directly, a camera on the rear of device or other image sensor circuitry may capture an image that contains portions… and this image may be displayed in real time on display in alignment with the locations of the blocked portions,” it says.

If we do see a clear glass iMac or an iMac that can project its display in the future, it would be a momentous change for the entire industry. It could change what we expect from the best all-in-one PCs. Apple’s bold move could shake up the market and bring back the innovative, game-changing Apple.