Apple Receives Patent for Truly 'Matte Black' iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch Models: All Details

According to details shared in the patent document issued by the US Patent Office (USPTO) on Tuesday, iPhone and MacBook models could be available in new matte black color options in the future. The Cupertino company was granted a patent that could allow the company to produce a dark version of its smartphone, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. While original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Apple have previously released gadgets with matte surfaces, developing one in a dark color — such as black — has proven difficult.

Apple was given US patent 11751349-B2, titled "Anodised part having a matte black appearance," on Tuesday. The technique was invented by James Curran, Aaron Paterson, and Sonja Postak, according to the USPTO. The patent office record also discloses that Apple submitted the patent application in May 2020. 

Apple's most recent patent covers the use of an anodised item that includes both a metal substrate and an anodised layer formed from the metal substrate. The anodised layer has been created by the firm to use light-absorbing elements that are situated at various locations and can absorb light that falls on the surface of the device's enclosure. Apple explains how it intends to generate these light-absorbing features by etching the surface of an anodized item.

Apple cites the use of "pores" on the surface with color particles injected in them to add color to the anodised layer. According to the patent filing, the anodised layer will have a CIELAB L* value less than 10. This indicates that the product's surface would seem virtually black, yet with a matte finish.

Many manufacturers have attempted to make gadgets with a matte finish that is virtually black in color, but the majority of their attempts have failed – anodised metal that is black in color appears glossy and reflects enormous quantities of light rather than absorbing it. In the patent paper, Apple explains how it was able to develop a totally black smartphone with a metal finish. 

According to recent claims, Apple may be developing goods such as a smart ring that can deliver haptic feedback and pressure-sensitive input. Similarly, a recent patent filing suggests that Apple is working on sensors for AirPods that would allow the wireless headphones to assess brain electrical activity. Apple was also recently given a second patent, indicating that Face ID capability may be included to future MacBook and Mac machines.