Apple patents uneven glass treatment to better stop cracks
Apple has filed a patent for a method of strengthening glass used in electronic devices by applying different levels of pressure to different areas. The design places a deeper layer of protective stress in the thicker edges of the glass, while using a lighter treatment in the thinner center. This approach aims to reduce damage or stop cracks from spreading if the device is dropped.
In the filing’s own words
Asymmetrically strengthened glass articles, methods for producing the same, and use of the articles in portable electronic device is disclosed. The asymmetrically strengthened glass articles include glass articles having a deeper compressive stress layer in a thicker portion of the glass article. Using a budgeted amount of compressive stress and tensile stress, asymmetric chemical strengthening is optimized for the utility of a glass article. In some aspects, the strengthened glass article can be designed for reduced damage, or damage propagation, when dropped.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A glass article for an electronic device comprising: a central zone having a first thickness and comprising: a central exterior surface and a central interior surface; a first compressive stress region extending from the central exterior surface to a first depth; and a second compressive stress region extending from the central interior surface to a second depth; and a peripheral zone at least partially surrounding the central zone and having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness, the peripheral zone comprising: a peripheral exterior surface and a peripheral interior surface; a third compressive stress region extending from the peripheral exterior surface to a third depth that is greater than the first depth; and a fourth compressive stress region extending from the peripheral interior surface to a fourth depth that is less than the third depth.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- ASYMMETRIC CHEMICAL STRENGTHENING
- Publication number
- US20260317230A1
- Application number
- 19445468
- Filed
- Jan 9, 2026
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
C03C 21/002 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.