The iPhone, one of the most iconic devices in the world, has gained global recognition not only for its performance, power, or operating system but also for its unmistakable aesthetics. Since its introduction in 2007, each iPhone model has showcased an exceptional commitment to quality and detail, from the compact and minimalist design to the premium materials used in its manufacturing.
Apple, in its tireless pursuit of perfection, has always placed special emphasis on the design and finishes of its products. With each new iPhone, we witness a testament to the exceptional level of detail and craftsmanship that Apple puts into its products. This dedication has led to surprising situations, such as the fact that the finish on the back of the iPhone alone has more patents than a television set.
A very specific design and planning that is also patented
As reported by Patently Apple, Apple has recently filed a total of 56 patents focused on the finish of the back of iPhones. Yes, that seemingly small but distinctive detail has garnered pages upon pages of diagrams, ideas, procedures, and designs to ensure that the iPhone feels exactly like an iPhone. The level of attention and dedication to perfecting even the smallest aspects of the device is truly remarkable.
One notable patent to highlight is titled “Chemically Strengthened and Textured Glass Housing Member,” which is already quite descriptive. The most interesting part comes from a deeper reading of the patent, which discusses a first layer with a certain surface roughness and a composite coating bonded to that aluminosilicate glass substrate to achieve the exact finish desired for the iPhone. It’s a rather complex process for achieving a “simple” finish, so to speak.
And this isn’t the first time we’ve seen patents of this kind. On multiple occasions, in interviews and discussions, Apple executives have mentioned the manufacturing processes behind the new iPhones. It’s not just about the design team seeking the exact appearance and feel for the product; in many cases, they have to invent the manufacturing process to achieve those objectives.
When considering the vast assembly line of iPhones and the quantities produced by Apple each week (even more during launches), the task appears truly monumental. It’s no wonder the company has registered a whopping 56 patents, adding to the multitude of patents it has likely accumulated over the years.
Invention, and also a guarantee against copying
Something that Apple constantly observes is how its designs “inspire” other manufacturers. It’s worth using quotation marks because time and again we see products from certain brands, especially Chinese ones, that closely resemble Cupertino’s creations. It’s not just about proportions and colors; it extends to the design of the operating system and even the names.
Without getting into the fact that even the company’s presentations are cloned in terms of the composition of keynote slides, there is something that these companies cannot replicate. And that is precisely the manufacturing processes that Apple takes months to develop, fine-tune, and have ready for large-scale production of iPhones.
The 56 patents we see today are just another example of the immense complexity involved in iterating a product like the iPhone on the scale that Apple does. While we await the new iPhone 15 and its larger battery, it is clear that the designs and finishes are not left to chance but are the result of a lengthy process that delivers the product exactly as conceived in the design and materials labs at Apple Park.
Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.
