iPhone 4G Photos Show Apple Patented Radio Transparent Ceramic Back?

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Posted April 18, 2010 at 11:21pm by iClarified

Recent photos of what may be an iPhone 4G prototype show a fancy glass type back which could actually be a ceramic enclosure patented by Apple in 2006.

Daring Fireball's sources confirm this special material for the back of the new phone.

Multiple sources familiar with the next iPhone have confirmed to me that the back is made out of some sort of fancy glass — and looks pretty much exactly what’s pictured at Engadget.

Antoine Hebert emailed the site to point out a 2006 Apple patent for a highly durable ceramic enclosure which would have a glass-like appearance but would be stronger, more scratch resistant, and radio transparent.

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The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a portable computing device capable of wireless communications. The portable computing device includes an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device. The enclosure includes a structural wall formed from a ceramic material that permits wireless communications therethrough. The wireless communications may for example correspond to RF communications, and further the ceramic material may be radio-transparent thereby allowing RF communications there through.
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Read More [via Daring Fireball]

iPhone 4G Photos Show Apple Patented Radio Transparent Ceramic Back?

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lol - April 19, 2010 at 5:01am

lol! Brand new in box molded/rotten iPhone. nice

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Nasser - April 19, 2010 at 4:07am

this is not the iPhone 4G, it seems stupid designed, it is not useful to be opened cover. Apple in high level of professionalization designing than this

Michael - April 19, 2010 at 7:00am

Absolutely true. Never ever will this be the back of any iPhone! Apple has proven to be absolutely top notch in design in the past. This is just ridiculously ugly.

marc - April 19, 2010 at 10:00am

this is a prototype...the phone wont look like that exactly when it comes out. It'll have a much slicker look to it.

max - April 19, 2010 at 3:53pm

Rubbish. This is it. Improved functionality in a simple, format. It harks back to the solid feel of the 2G original phone. It's also worth noting the high re-sale value the 2G still commands on Ebay - it too was strong and very solid to the touch. Bring on Gen 4 as seen on Gizmodo !