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Hardware iPhone News Patents

New patent points towards possible Touch ID sensor under screen of next-gen iPhone

A newly-published patent shows that Apple may be going the way of a bezel-free iPhone wherein the display extends all the way to the edges of the handset. The patent describes three different technologies that can be used for fingerprint sensors, and says that the third of them – ultrasonic imaging – would not only […]

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Developer HomeKit iOS News Patents

Apple patent points to smarter, more automated HomeKit functionality, interoperability with homes, vehicles

This could turn into something interesting. A recently published patent filed by Apple indicates as to Apple’s intention for an “automated environment” in which HomeKit would be able to track the routines of users and implement automated behaviors based on those habits. As an example, Apple points to the idea of a heating system being […]

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Hardware iPhone News Patents

Apple patent focuses on wired/wireless headphones

This could turn into something nifty. An Apple patent application published Thursday suggests that the company is continuing work on a Lightning-equipped audio product some expect will replace wired EarPods if and when iPhone ships without a 3.5mm headphone jack. The patent, entitled “Audio class-compliant charging accessories for wireless headphones and headsets” details a headphone […]

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News Patents

Patent application hints at greater use, functionality for Touch ID button

This could lead to something interesting. A recently published patent application describes how the Touch ID home button could gain additional functionality, allowing it to perform different actions in response to different fingerprints, as well as adding pressure sensors to provide it with 3D Touch type functionality. The patent hints at how it might allow […]

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Hardware iPhone News Patents

Apple patent suggests move away from 3.5mm headphone jack, towards Bluetooth or Lightning connector, for next-gen iPhone

As frightening as the idea of an iPhone without the headphone jack may be, a recently published Apple patent suggests that the idea may be fairly likely. A new patent awarded to Apple on Monday suggests that Apple may convert from the classic 3.5mm headphone jack to Lightning and Bluetooth. The patent seemingly describes a […]