Apple patents glass ceramic covers for device sensors and cameras
Apple has been granted a patent for electronic devices that use glass ceramic materials for their front and back covers. The front cover is designed to let visible light and specific infrared wavelengths pass through easily, which helps biometric sensors like face scanners work effectively. The back cover features a raised area, or plateau, that creates an opening for camera modules to sit within the device's enclosure.
In the filing’s own words
Glass ceramic components for electronic devices are disclosed, as are components including a glass ceramic material. A cover member including a glass ceramic material may be positioned over one or more device components such as an optical module or a component of a wireless communication or charging system. The cover member may have optical properties, electrical properties, magnetic properties, and/or mechanical properties compatible with the requirements of the one or more device components.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An electronic device comprising: a display; a biometric sensor comprising: an emitter module configured to emit infrared light in a wavelength range; and an image sensor configured to detect a reflection of the infrared light; a sensor assembly comprising an optical module; and an enclosure at least partially enclosing the display, the biometric sensor, and the sensor assembly, the enclosure comprising: a first cover member defining a front surface of the enclosure and positioned over the display and the biometric sensor, the first cover member formed from a first glass ceramic material and having: an average transmission greater than or equal to 80% for visible light; and an average transmission greater than or equal to 85% for the infrared light in the wavelength range; and a second cover member defining a rear surface of the enclosure and formed from a second glass ceramic material; the second cover member further defining: a base region of an exterior surface; and a sensor feature defining a plateau region of the exterior surface, the plateau region offset with respect to the base region and defining an opening, the optical module positioned within the opening.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Electronic devices including glass ceramic components
- Patent number
- US12767587B2
- Application number
- 18740437
- Filed
- Jun 11, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 20, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
C03C 10/00 Chemistry & metalsC04B 35/119 Chemistry & metalsC04B 35/46 Chemistry & metalsMore from Apple in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.