Apple is Working on a Matte Black Finish for MacBook, Other Devices

Apple has filed a patent that describes a process to anodize its products with a matte black finish.

The patent is entitled, "ANODIZED PART HAVING A MATTE BLACK APPEARANCE". Apple notes that there are issues with anodizing a metal part black that make it come out dark gray.

Enclosures for portable electronic devices can include an anodized layer that can be dyed in different colors in order to enhance their cosmetic appeal to consumers. However, certain colors are far more difficult to achieve than others. In particular, attempts by consumer electronic device manufacturers to achieve a true black color have fallen short. Indeed, the best attempts have attained only a dark grey color. One challenge to achieving a true black color is that anodized metal can have a relatively high floss finish, which is capable of specularly reflecting large amounts of visible light.


Apple details a process in which the anodized surface can be etched with light-trapping features to absorb visible light, making the device appear darker.

As will be described herein, the etched anodized surface of the enclosures having light-trapping features (also referred to as light-absorbing features) is capable of absorbing generally almost all visible light incident thereupon. Additionally, whatever visible light not absorbed by the light-trapping features is diffusely reflected by the light-trapping features. As a result, the etched anodized part is characterized as having a matte, low gloss finish. The matte, low gloss finish combined with black color particles infused within pores are capable of hiding surface geometries of the external surface.

The patent was filed on December 3, 2020. We'll let you know if we hear anything about an upcoming product release in matte black. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.

Read More [via PatentlyApple]




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