Apple recently received a new patent for an iMac whose case and input devices consist of a continuous pane of glass.
The new patent, first published by Patently Apple discovered describes an "electronic device with a glass body." The entire device appears to be made of glass, including the area that forms the keyboard and trackpad. Patently Apple writes:
This future iMac/desktop PC may include a display coupled to the glass enclosure and configured to provide visual output in the display area. The electronic device may include a keyboard coupled to the glass enclosure and configured to detect input in the input area. In alternative embodiments, the keyboard is detachable.
As a pane of glass: Is this what the future of the iMac looks like?
The whole device seems to be supported by a kind of metal base. Interestingly, the connections are also integrated at this point. However, the idea of a permanently installed keyboard may not appeal to some users.
But the patent allows the keyboard to be removed if desired. Apple has spent years reducing the number of components in its Macs. For this reason, this patent could be the next step in that process. But as always with patents, in the end the whole thing could remain just an idea. (Photo by Unsplash / Jay Wennington)
