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Apple’s latest privacy-focused feature wants to keep your iPhone safe from prying eyes with new security for tech for the screen. Apple is one of the few tech firms that’s increasingly sensitive to the privacy of its customers. The iPhone maker currently offers unique settings to limit data collection and keep user’s data out of the reach of third parties. And this new tech aims to take that even further.
As reported by Techradar (via AppleInsider), Apple has filed two patents to prevent shoulder surfing. In case you didn’t know, shoulder surfing means another person looks at your phone when entering sensitive data such as passwords or banking details. Apple’s patents aim to solve this problem by adding a new layer of security to iPhones.
Apple wants to keep the iPhone screen safe from prying eyes with new security tech
The first patent would be a “privacy film” that adds a “light-blocking layer” to the iPhone’s screen. This means only the person directly looking at the screen would be able to see the content. Some screen protectors are currently available with such a feature, but adding it to iPhones by default is certainly a welcome addition.
The second patent refers to “displays with adjustable angles of view.” This patent lets users adjust the screen’s view angle and enable “private viewing mode” to prevent another person from seeing what’s on the phone.
While iPhones are the most likely candidates to benefit from the new patents, Apple might also bring them to iPads and MacBooks. The patent disclaimer also notes that Apple has just filed for these technologies, and it’s all on the tech firm to decide whether to include them in its future consumer products.
Apple’s explanation for one of the patents reinforces the speculation that MacBooks or even iMacs might get the new privacy additions. As the patent description reads, “In some situations, such as when a user of a laptop or other device with a display is using the device in public, the wide viewing angle is undesirable as it compromises privacy.”
Apple currently outsources its screen production to LG and Samsung. As Samsung Display has already revealed that Apple’s upcoming device might have a foldable display, hopefully Korean manufacturers can reveal more details about Apple’s new screen technology.