Apple is developing a revolutionary all-glass MacBook Pro design, inspired by the iPhone's glass back, and is also exploring the integration of a touchscreen feature. The patent application titled "Electronic Device" hints at the possibility of a touchscreen, though it's more focused on the concept of an all-glass back for the MacBook Pro. This idea isn't entirely new, as there have been rumors about Apple introducing a touchscreen MacBook Pro around 2025.
The primary emphasis of the "Electronic Device" patent application is on transitioning the MacBook Pro's lid to glass. Apple is investigating the feasibility of using glass for the rear of the display area, particularly where the Apple logo is located, considering factors like size, weight, and durability crucial for portable devices. Apple suggests replacing the traditional materials with a combination of metal and glass sheets for the display's front and back, aiming for a design that is lightweight, durable, and resistant to damage.
Apple's proposal suggests a lid design for the MacBook Pro that includes a metal framework for the edges and glass panels for the display's front and back. While the discussion mainly revolves around a full glass panel, there are mentions of possibly having only certain areas in glass. The goal is to achieve a display that is not only slim and lightweight but also highly resistant to scratches and other forms of damage, diverging from the earlier designs where the Apple logo would illuminate.
Despite frequent speculation about Apple merging the Mac and iPad, the company has consistently denied such claims, focusing instead on hardware innovations. This patent suggests Apple is considering adopting design elements from the iPhone, such as the glass back, for the Mac lineup. This isn't the first time Apple has explored integrating iPhone features into Mac products, as evidenced by previous research into creating an iMac from a single glass sheet.
The patent lists four inventors, including Lauren M. Farrell, known for her extensive work on display technologies in past Apple patents.
