In 2024, Apple submitted a patent application for an "Electronic Device and Case with Satellite Communication Capabilities," which has recently come to light. This innovative case is designed with advanced antennas to improve satellite connectivity.
While primarily created for iPhones, the case is also intended for iPads. As illustrated in the accompanying drawing, the case features a section that flips open to orient the internal phased antenna array towards the sky, thereby enhancing satellite signal reception. Additionally, this design prevents users from blocking the satellite signal when handling the phone, as the antennas are housed in the section that remains elevated.
This antenna array allows the case to connect with multiple satellites simultaneously. It is designed to function as a standard case that is easy to install and remove. In its patent application, Apple suggests that the case could "convey wireless data with the removable case over a radio-frequency connector" or through various other technologies such as NFC.
It is important to note that patent filings like this one are often created by companies like Apple for numerous concepts that never reach production. They serve more as proof of concept rather than indicators of products in active development. While this case design is intriguing, there remains uncertainty about whether Apple will proceed to market a product based on this patent.
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