Apple designs bizarre new iPhone with screens on the front AND back of the handset
APPLE is working on a bonkers new iPhone design with more screen than you'll know what to do with.
The phone, detailed in a patent submitted by Apple, features a "wraparound" display that curves over the front and back of the handset.
Having such a display would mean Apple could make the most of the whole surface of a phone.
One side could be used for taking notes, for instance, while the other side works like a conventional display.
The patent, filed in October, was spotted by .
The California tech titan has filed similar patents for wraparound screens before, and last month's filing adds a bit of new info.
It now mentions the "continuous loop" of a glass display around a device.
That means a screen that works both on the front and the back of your iPhone.
It's not clear when – if ever – the phone will hit shelves.
It's worth remembering that a patent doesn't actually guarantee a product will be made, so don't get excited just yet.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
Even if Apple doesn't follow through, however, other companies are working on wraparound displays of their own.
Last month, Chinese phone-maker Xiaomi unveiled a handset made almost entirely of screen.
Out towards the end of this year, the experimental gadget will reportedly cost around £2,250.
Samsung is also working on a wraparound display of its own, if its recent patents are to be believed.
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In other news, Apple fans recently spotted that the iPhone's "send text" icon is slightly wonky.
Apple has invented a "smart ring" design that lets you control your iPhone without even touching it.
Another recent rumour suggests Apple is working on a £399 iPhone that would be its cheapest in years.
Have you upgraded to Apple's latest iPhones yet? Let us know in the comments!
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