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This article was published on December 24, 2010

Apple to end antenna issues by placing it behind the Apple logo?


Apple to end antenna issues by placing it behind the Apple logo?

A new patent filed by Apple suggests that the company is looking into ways it can reduce interference with its antennae in its iPhone and future products, focusing on a process that would see the antennas placed behind the logo on both phones and MacBook laptops.

The filing almost certainly comes after the “Antennagate” debacle when the iPhone 4 launched; the device would lose signal if two of the antenna housings were bridged with the hand. This led to Apple handing out free iPhone 4 cases for users that requested them and looks to have inspired a change in where the wireless antennas will be housed in the future.

The patent for “logo antennas” shows the antenna placed in a housing that contains conductive sidewalls, holding compents and integrated circuits. The logo antenna woud then be able to transmit and receive radio-frequencies (both 3G and Wi-Fi), therefore gaining a clearer and ultimately stronger signal without metal stuctures or other conductive housing walls interfering.

The patent could also demonstrate Apple’s intentions to create 3G/4G-enabled laptops that can be used on the go, possibly an upgrade to the already very light and ultra-portable MacBook Air. We aren’t sure how the antenna would work behind an Apple logo on the iPhone but if it means we have a glowing LED Apple logo on the back, Apple fans have one more reason to want one.

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