Apple's latest patent indicates that Apple is working on an all-glass iPhone, which can display information, icons and images on any side, and that the entire device is touch-sensitive.
The US patent number 20200057525, entitled "Electronic Device with Glass Case," describes an iPhone including a six-sided glass case.
Apple states in its patent that this article describes an electronic device with a housing that uses glass to define multiple sides of the housing.
In this case, the enclosure may look seamless visually and tactilely, so the entire enclosure may appear to be formed from a piece of glass. The glass-bound enclosure defines multiple sides of the enclosure and can facilitate or enable many additional functions and uses that cannot be achieved with conventional functions.
For example, the glass back and glass sides may be transparent, allowing the electronic device to include an additional display screen that can be viewed through the side and/or the back, and providing touch and/or force sensitive sensors that a user can interact with to control the electronic device.
This could mean replacing hardware mute switches, sleep/wake buttons or volume controls with touch-sensitive areas.
Apple may allow users to squeeze the side of the iPhone to trigger specific features. The patent drawing shows that Apple is also considering using the edge of the phone to display information.
There may be an application-like icon on it, which allows users to enter airplane mode or turn on Wi-Fi with a single tap, and it can also display weather information or stock scrolling prices on the side.
