Apple Smudge-Free iPhone Patent

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Shiny, glossy surfaces are often fingerprint magnets, which is why some iPhone and other smartphone users attach screen protectors and protective cases. But with a recent Apple patent filing, fingerprints and smudges might be a thing of the past.

Apple has recently applied for a patent for “direct liquid vaporization for oleophobic coatings” for iOS devices. The technology basically involves the application of liquid onto a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber in order to coat the surface material for better smudge-protection. This will apply coating on the iDevice that prevents the depositing of oils on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch surfaces, most of which come from greasy fingers and oily cheeks.

Apple has supposedly implemented a similar technology to previous iOS devices to some extent. However, the material is said to wear off prematurely, hence the need for an improved way to apply the oleophobic coating. Said technology is likely to appear in the upcoming iPhone 5, this time with possibly with an oil-resistant coating not only on the screen but also on its entire surface.