Apple Aims to Revolutionize Privacy with Innovative Screen Technology, Putting an End to Shoulder Surfing

Apple Aims to Revolutionize Privacy with Innovative Screen Technology, Putting an End to Shoulder Surfing

Apple is developing new screen technology for iPhones and Macs that will make it harder for others to see what users are working on. Currently, Apple displays have a wide field of view, making it easy for others to view the screen. However, Apple has recently been granted patents for two different approaches to address this issue.

The first patent, titled “Privacy films for curved displays,” suggests placing a covering layer on the screen that acts like a polarizing film. This means that light can only come out in one direction, allowing the user to see the display clearly. However, anyone trying to view the screen from the sides will either see a blurry image or nothing at all.

The second patent, titled “Displays with adjustable angles of view,” proposes altering the viewing angle of the display. Apple suggests using an “electrically controllable filter” that allows the user to control the polarization of the screen. This technology would be integrated into the display itself, using substrate layers and potentially a color filter to limit certain colors to only the display user.

While these approaches aim to enhance privacy, there will always be a privacy issue that users need to be aware of and monitor themselves. However, Apple is also exploring the idea of screens appearing completely blank unless viewed by the authorized device, such as when wearing Apple Vision Pro.

It is interesting to see Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve screen technology and explore new ways to protect user privacy.