Apple files two new patents to address the privacy concerns for iPhones and Macs

A report indicating instances of how thieves keep an eye on iPhone users’ passwords before snatching their devices was shared by The Wall Street Journal in early 2023. When a person gets access to an iPhone’s passcode, the Apple ID password can be reset easily even though the user has enabled Face ID or Touch ID. Furthermore, using passwords kept in iCloud Keychain also enables a thief to access financial apps, transmit Apple Cash, and utilize Apple Pay.

The company responded to this report and declared that it will improve the protection to maintain the security of user accounts. However, the company didn’t mention anything about its future plans. Some reports indicate that the company might opt for a hardware solution to prevent incidents that involve “shoulder surfers.” Currently, the displays used on iPhones provide a 170-degree field of view that is quite easy to be viewed by others. Reportedly, the company has filed two new patents to resolve this. The new patents will limit the screen visibility only to the user.

Privacy films for curved displays

“Privacy Films for Curved Displays,” the first patent, describes a unique screen covering that restricts light emission to one direction. It will be positioned right in front of the screen only providing the screen visibility (optimal brightness and screen’s full quality) to the user. People who try to peek from even a tiny angle to the left or right of this position, however, are not as fortunate and will likely see either a fuzzy image or a fully hidden vision.

Displays with adjustable angles of view

Apple has filed another patent named ‘displays with adjustable angles of view.’ These displays will be exclusively used for flat screens like Macs. Users will be able to adjust the viewing angle of the device in real-time which will work as a filter. Based on several adjustable louvers, the polarization of the screen can be controlled. In this way, the visibility is reduced from side-on viewing angles thus enhancing the privacy. The patent also explains how specific colors could be blocked from being seen while the screen is not directly viewed by using a liquid crystal element.

Of course, patents and real-time products require a long process. All in all the company is putting in its efforts to resolve the privacy concerns among users. until or unless the new technology arrives, users can adopt different methods to enhance the privacy and security of their devices. For instance, use an alphanumeric password in place of a four-digit passcode.