Patents: fingerprint sensor under the screen, Apple Car and new iMac

New patents filed by Apple allow us to learn more about the projects that the firm is developing internally. We discover there in particular a document evoking the case ofan iMacborderless, that is to say with asize/screen ratio close to 100%and much thinner borders around the slab. Objective: to ensure that the camera is, thanks to this concept, cut out to offer a larger display surface, as is already the case on laptops with the case of the MacBook Air M2 or theMacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches late 2021.

Of course, as for the manufacturer it is only a question of protecting its idea against competition, there is nothing to indicate that such a concept will actually see the light of day soon. However, the iMac was known to be offered intwo sizespreviously, but since the arrival of a revisited model last year, the large format has been abandoned. It would therefore not be surprising to see another one arrive, using the notch design of its cousins.

With this, Apple is also considering the return of Touch ID on iPhone and Watch.Another patentexplains how to integrate a fingerprint scanner directly under the screen, which brands like Samsung or Oppo already offer. To do this, Cupertino would use technologyHCSEL(horizontal cavity surface-emitting lasers) which uses lasers to detect the unique patterns printed on the user's fingers. As a reminder, the fifth generation iPad Air also offers Touch ID but this time installed on the power button, on the edge of the case and not under the panel. As for the Apple Watch, another patent dating from 2020 mentioned a slightly different case withthe fingerprint sensor this time housed in the Digital Crown.

The inventors also specify that HCSELs could be used tomeasure ambient air quality, information provided for example by the Weather application on iPad and iOS.

Rollable iPhone

At the same time, we also spotteda patent dealing with a rollable screennoticeably similar to the prototypes unveiled by LG previously. The concept could be declined in the form ofiPador iPhone.

Apple Glass x Apple Car

Finally, Appleexplainhow using a wearable such as a virtual reality headset or connected glasses would allow passengers in a vehicle not to feel themotion sickness. An idea which of course echoes the secret intelligent and electric vehicle program of the Californian firm, which should see the light of day within two or three years according to the most serious rumors.