Now that we can rule out a liquid metal iPhone any time soon, what's the next big revolutionary change coming to a near future iPhone refresh? Today, we're learning more about a futuristic technology that may be closer to implementation in the iPhone than most of us had previously considered.
Apple continues to express a relentless fascination with touchscreen technology that would make it possible for iPhone owners to do more than just touch the screen of their devices. In addition, they would also be able to receive "feedback through their fingertips" via various textures presented through the haptic touchscreen.
This week, a freshly uncovered patent application from Apple shows that the iDevice maker is interested in ways of making the iPhone screen offer a variety of tactile sensations. The application, titled "Methods and Systems for Providing Haptic Control," describes a so-called tiered haptic system. The effect, ultimately, would be the ability to present different touch experiences through the stacking of haptic elements.
Although added sensory attributions likely don't rank too highly on the must-have list of demands by iPhone fanatics (4G LTE connectivity is probably a higher priority), there would be no shortage of valuable and innovative applications for such technology, should it ultimately find a home on the iPhone.
And only time will tell if that prospect will manifest into reality. The rumor mill and Apple's own patent inventory suggest that it certainly may happen - and soon.
Source: Apple Insider
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