Apple's New Patent Hints at an All-Screen iPhone, While the Powerful M4 "Hidra" Chip Promises Enhanced Performance!

Apple's New Patent Hints at an All-Screen iPhone, While the Powerful M4 "Hidra" Chip Promises Enhanced Performance!While this patent appears comprehensive, cautious optimism is warranted. The Face ID system relies on critical components like infrared cameras and dot projectors that project and analyze a large number of points onto the face to capture precise facial data

Apple's New Patent Hints at an All-Screen iPhone, While the Powerful M4 "Hidra" Chip Promises Enhanced Performance!

Recent news surrounding Apple's next-generation products has been prolific, particularly the rumors of ultra-thin iPhone 17 models. However, many consumers are more keenly anticipating breakthroughs in all-screen displays and improved signal reception. Good news: Apple has been granted a new technology patent suggesting that an all-screen iPhone may be closer than we think.

According to reports, Apple has secured a patent for technology that allows the Face ID components to be hidden beneath the screen. This patent covers a range of Apple devices, including iPhones, MacBooks, iMacs, smart glasses, and Apple Watches. The patent describes an ingenious method of placing optical sensors under the screen, detailing various arrangements for the touch sensor grid in the pixel-removed areas including complete retention, complete removal, or partial removal. The patent also mentions achieving this through selective patterning of the overlying layer, which could be a substrate protection layer, gate dielectric layer, inorganic passivation layer, or organic pixel definition layer.

While this patent appears comprehensive, cautious optimism is warranted. The Face ID system relies on critical components like infrared cameras and dot projectors that project and analyze a large number of points onto the face to capture precise facial data. Current technology doesn't allow for the complete concealment of these components under the screen. This means the patent might only result in a reduction of the "pill" area, not its complete elimination, leaving a true all-screen design still some distance away.

Beyond screen technology advancements, news regarding Apple's M-series chips has also emerged. Previous reports suggested that Apple's current M4 series processors include at least three models, codenamed Donan, Brava, and Hidra. The Donan chip is expected in entry-level MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and lower-end Mac minis; the Brava chip will power high-end MacBook Pros and high-end Mac Studios. The focus here is on the high-end "Hidra" chip.

Reports indicate Apple is developing the "Hidra" flagship chip for the Mac Pro, boasting performance exceeding that of the M4 Ultra. While specific specs remain undisclosed, we can speculate based on the M4 Ultra's configuration. The M4 Ultra features up to a 32-core CPU and 80-core GPU, with CPU performance easily surpassing the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and a GPU core count double that of the top-tier M4 Max. The "Hidra" chip is expected to build upon this already impressive performance. This implies a Mac Pro with immense processing power, naturally accompanied by a higher price tag.

Based on previous leaks, Mac products featuring the M4 Ultra are anticipated in the first half of 2025. The release date for the "Hidra"-powered Mac Pro awaits official confirmation. For high-end users, this promises a highly exciting technological feast.

Throughout 2024, Apple achieved good sales globally, but smartphone and accessory sales experienced a degree of decline. While Mac products with M4 chips, like the Mac mini, gained traction due to their competitive pricing, market share hasn't seen a breakthrough. The recent flurry of news about foldable screens, all-screen displays, and extreme performance suggests Apple is accelerating the development of these new products to address market competition.

Finally, for those of us with trypophobia (like the writer), we implore Apple to redesign the Mac Pro's panel; its unique design is truly challenging to accept.

Apple's new technology patent, the M4 "Hidra" chip, and competitive market pressures are driving Apple's innovation. We look forward to more exciting products in the future, and hope Apple will strike a better balance between technological innovation and user experience. From patent application to product launch, numerous technological hurdles remain, but Apple's effort and dedication are commendable. This is not just about improving technical specifications; it's Apple's exploration of future technology and its response to user needs. We believe that in the near future, we will see revolutionary Apple products that fundamentally change our user experience. At the same time, we hope Apple will pay more attention to user experience in product design, especially in details like the Mac Pro's panel design, which directly impacts user experience. Apple's success lies not only in technological leadership but also in its deep understanding and satisfaction of user needs. Future Apple products need to strike a better balance between technological innovation and user experience to maintain its leading position in the technology industry. Let's wait and see how Apple transforms these advanced technologies into actual products to deliver an even better and stunning user experience. We will continue to follow Apple's latest developments and witness the advancement of technology and the new chapter of future development.