Apple patent shows use of logo on back of iPhone as notification LED

Apple has filed for a patent on a technique to illuminate the logo on the back of a device. This should make it possible, among other things, to use the logo for notifications for iPhones, among others.

It is a patent application that has ended up with the American patent office Uspto, Apple Insider discovered. The application describes a technique to illuminate a ‘decoration’ on the device and link it to the operating system of the device. By this decorative element, Apple most likely means the company logo that can be found on the back of many of its devices.

With the patent application, Apple seems to be looking at ways to use the logo on the back of, for example, iPhones for notifications. The patent application frequently refers to a telephone. With certain lighting, for example by flashing, the arrival of a message or telephone call could be shown, among other things. It is also possible that the technology is used for other devices, such as tablets or laptops.

Whether Apple actually wants to use the logo on its products as a notification LED remains to be seen. Not all techniques described in patents are ultimately used in new products. It wouldn’t be the first time Apple has lit up its logo, by the way; the company previously did that with MacBooks.