Oliver Haslam·

A New Matte Black MacBook Is Coming, Latest Apple Patent Suggests

A new patent could point to the possibility of a new matte black MacBook of some sort launching in the future, although it’s impossible to say whether that’s actually the case or not.

Spotted by Patently Apple, the new patent notes that making a black MacBook is currently very difficult because dark gray is about as dark as it can get.

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.

But all of that would change if Apple’s patent was applied to the process. According to the text attached to the patent, Apple would essentially use a light-absorbing feature such as an etched anodized surface.

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.

It is, however, important to note that Apple patents hundreds of ideas each and every year and it’s fair to say that not all of them make a finished product that Apple can sell on store shelves. That being said, it’s clear that Apple has at least explored the idea of making a black MacBook of some sort – and that’s excellent news for those of us who would very much like to buy one!

Just don’t expect it to be happening any time soon is all we’re saying.

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