Apple sent in two interesting patent applications to the US patent office. They talk about picture masking technology for iPhone screens and Mac computers. According to the website MacRumors, which reports on Apple news, it’s not just about using a special protective cover. It’s also about software that stops other people from seeing the images.

Google’s Map Traffic Decline: Executive Attributes Shift to Apple Maps on iPhones

The first file is called “Privacy Films for Curved Displays,” and it has details on a special kind of coating that changes the lighting so that the viewing angle is limited.

With this method, only the person using the smartphone can see the whole picture; anyone else would see it as too dark or fuzzy.

“Displays with Adjustable Angles of View” is the title of the second patent. It describes technology that lets the owner of the gadget change the angle at which light spreads.

Step-by-Step Guide: Downloading iOS 17 on Your iPhone Now

In one type, the light is guided directly by bars that look like blinds. In a different technology, the qualities of a liquid crystal element are changed to turn off a certain pixel colour.

According to reporters from The Wall Street Journal, adding these kinds of technologies to smartphones could help with theft in some ways. The information says that thieves often try to see the screen open password in order to steal the device and get to the owner’s personal information and money.

From Lightning to USB-C: Repurposing Your Old Apple Cables