A MacBook made entirely of glass? Apple’s latest patent reveals some quirky design choices

Rumours of Apple exploring glass-made Mac products have been circulating for years, but a recent patent filing has given the tech world a new peek into how a MacBook Air made entirely of glass might function.

The idea of a sleek, glass laptop has certainly turned heads, but is it a stroke of design genius, or a fragile disaster waiting to happen?

Apple’s design ambitions
Apple recently secured two new patents, and one of them seems to bring the long-standing rumours about a glass MacBook Air closer to reality. The patent covers a glass housing for the device, potentially featuring a virtual keyboard and touchpad. This isn’t the first time Apple has explored glass designs either. Back in 2023, the company patented a design for an iMac made from a single sheet of glass.

Apparently, this design direction has been in the works for over a decade, dating back to 2011. The recent patents suggest that these ideas are more than just fleeting concepts, and could signal a future trend in Apple’s product lineup.

The patented design involves an electronic device housing that not only protects the device’s internal components but also serves as part of the user interface. In this vision, the housing isn’t just a shell; it’s an integral part of the system, receiving and providing input and output for the device. Essentially, the entire surface of the device could be interactive, which offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of Apple’s hardware.

A glass MacBook Air - will it be a durability nightmare?
As luxurious and futuristic as the idea of a glass MacBook Air or iMac sounds, it raises some serious questions about practicality. The most glaring issue is fragility. No matter how innovative the technology, glass is glass — it’s fragile. While Apple could potentially use materials similar to those found in windshields to make these devices more durable, a glass MacBook Air still seems risky. Just imagine the potential disasters: a pet knocking it off a table or someone accidentally dropping it—both situations that would likely end in shattered glass.

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There’s also the concern for users with motor disabilities. A glass laptop might be more challenging to handle, especially for those who might struggle with fine motor control. A misstep or drop could lead to a broken, expensive device. That alone could make such a product a tough sell for people looking for practicality and durability in their tech.

On the other hand, Apple’s plan to enhance user comfort with “finger devices” to soften the pressure on a solid glass keyboard could help mitigate some of these concerns. Still, typing on glass may feel a bit odd and less tactile compared to traditional keyboards.

The price of innovation
It’s almost certain that a glass MacBook Air would carry a premium price tag. Apple is known for producing high-end products, and adding advanced glass technology into the mix will only push prices higher. Add in over a decade of research and development, and the final price for these devices could be astronomical.

But then again, Apple has a loyal fan base that tends to buy its products no matter the price or practicality. A glass MacBook Air or iMac would likely be irresistible to Apple enthusiasts who crave the latest and greatest tech — especially if it looks as striking as one could imagine.

A risky but tempting gamble
Apple’s glass MacBook Air and iMac designs seem to be bold, luxurious, and innovative, but they also come with significant risks. Fragility, cost, and practicality are all potential pitfalls that could make such devices less appealing to the average consumer.

However, for Apple’s most devoted fans, these products might be exactly the kind of futuristic tech they’ve been waiting for. Whether Apple is betting on its customer loyalty or truly believes in the practicality of these glass devices, only time will tell if this vision becomes a reality.