In an attempt to make digital interaction increasingly seamless, Apple has been awarded a new patent (US20230393616A1). Titled "Displaying Application Views," this patent addresses a core area of challenge in gadgets - the inefficient display and arrangement of different screens from various applications.
Many users find it cumbersome to navigate between different screens on devices such as phones and tablets. This not only wastes time but also drains the energy of devices, an especially critical problem for battery-operated ones. Additionally, buttons or keystrokes needed to transition from one screen to another can be complex and time-consuming.
Apple's newly patented technology proposes a solution - a method of arranging and displaying screens based on an app's usage. If an app is currently in use, its screen will be shown first. If the app is not in active use, it will appear later. The aim, according to the documents, is to make gadgets more efficient, reduce cognitive burden for users when switching between applications, enhance productivity, and reduce processor and battery power waste.
Once implemented, this patent could transform the way people use their devices. For instance, if you're working on a document on your iPhone, but frequently swapping to a calculator app, the system could help prioritize and rearrange your screen to make sure the calculator app is always easily accessible. This, in turn, could increase efficiency, conserve battery power, and potentially add hours to the time between charges.
However, it's necessary to be mindful of privacy concerns given that the application's use of personal data, such as usage habits and preferred applications, could potentially infringe on a user's privacy. The patent mentions the beneficial use of personal data to make the user interface more relevant and efficient, but also acknowledges the necessity of handling this data to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use.
The figures included in the patent documentation illustrate a variety of user interfaces and block diagrams on multiple devices, demonstrating the potential versatility of this patented technology. From a touchscreen phone to a personal gadget, the diagrams show how the invention could considerably enhance user experience across various platforms.
However, it's important to remember that just because a patent has been granted doesn't necessarily mean the technology will make it to market. Sometimes companies patent ideas to protect them legally, even if these ideas don't eventually become consumer products. But given Apple's history of innovation, the impact such a feature could have on future Apple devices, should it be implemented, would be significant.
P.S. This is a patent and there is no guarantee that it will be introduced in the market.