For the most part, phone cases are decorative accessories that serve a protective purpose. At the moment, cases that add some form of functionality are few and far between, but Apple might be looking to change that. At least, if a recent rumour proves to be accurate.
In a Weibo post, leakster Instant Digital claimed that the American tech giant is looking to heavily invest in official protective cases in the future. The leakster explained that the company is aiming to turn the cases into second touch interfaces. Apparently, the goal is to “make the iPhone Pro more Pro”. This does imply that such an item will only be for the higher end models.
While the post itself is short on details, MacRumors shared a patent application Apple filed last year. Titled “Case with input for electronic device”, it outlines a case that serves as an input surface. The case contains touch-sensitive areas that use either capacitive or pressure-based sensors. Basically, the iPhone will detect when the case is attached and translate taps, presses, and gestures on the case to the corresponding functions.
In addition to detailing the functions, the patent highlights how the case communicates with the iPhone. This includes identification and signal transfer using interfaces like NFC. Aside from that, Apple has also considered the addition of biometric input, which will allow for Touch ID functionality on the case.
Of course, the presence of this patent doesn’t necessarily mean that such a case will definitely become a reality. Rather, it shows that the company has been exploring the idea. For now, it is unlikely that the company will be releasing the accessory with the next batch of iPhones. That said, Apple might be looking to develop a case with touch controls for its bezel-less 20th anniversary iPhone.
(Source: Instant Digital via MacRumors)
