Apple patent hints at future matte black MacBooks
Apple is experimenting with a new production method to archive an intense light-absorbant matte black finish for future products, according to a patent application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The application details a new process that achieves a true black color. Apple says it has developed an anodized layer that includes “randomly distributed light-absorbing features that are capable of absorbing visible light,” allowing it to achieve a deep, intense matte black.
Apple says: “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.”
“In particular, attempts by consumer electronic device manufacturers to achieve a true black color have fallen short. Indeed, the best attempts have attained only a dark grey color. One challenge to achieving a true black color is that anodized metal can have a relatively high floss finish, which is capable of specularly reflecting large amounts of visible light […]”
The filing goes on to explain how Apple has been able to create a true matte black:
“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.”
There’s no guarantee we will see a matte black MacBook anytime soon, but the patent does show Apple has at least considered the idea and has a unique production method to achieve such a finish.