Apple is no stranger to weird and wonderful patents and this classic iPhone one is no exception. It surfaced in 2015 and though the Home Button started to be phased out in 2017 with the iPhone X, the patent still makes for fascinating reading.
The patent was titled “Multi-Function Input Device” posted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and describes a rather talented iPhone home button which has the ability to pop up and out of the casing, turning into a multi-directional gaming joystick.
Yes, really.
In normal use the button would appear as normal – flush with the front of the device. A simple click will however see it protrude upwards, thanks to an in-built spring, and another push will lock it back into its original position.
While it would certainly offer a better level of accuracy and feedback than digital on-screen controls, it’s just asking to snap off or fill up with dust and debris – very un-Apple compromise, if you ask us.
Still, it’s not like every single Apple patent has ever come to fruition. If they did, your iPhone would probably be sporting a holographic sapphire display and miniature jetpacks right now. Check out this one from 2014 that shows the potential for interactive, mid-air 3D images.
[USPTO via Patently Apple]
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