Apple’s vision for the iPhone is getting clearer – and shinier. A newly revealed patent hints at a radical design shift that could redefine how our devices look and feel. 
Building on years of glass-focused innovation, the Cupertino giant is exploring a true ‘single slab of glass’ iPhone – a dream once teased by former design chief Jony Ive.
The patent describes a sleek, six-sided glass enclosure crafted from two primary glass panels. The front panel wraps elegantly around the edges with varying thicknesses for a subtle, premium curve, while the rear panel seals the opposite side. Together, they create the illusion of a flawless, seamless block of glass, even though multiple precision-crafted pieces are fused together.
Inside this crystal-like shell, a touchscreen display would extend along all sides, with content visible on both the front and back – and even wrapping partially around the edges. Every edge would be touch-sensitive, turning the entire device into an interactive surface. Hidden microphone and speaker cutouts would preserve the uninterrupted glass aesthetic.
While the tech to mass-produce such a device isn’t here yet, Apple’s gradual steps toward the vision are evident. From the iPhone X’s bezel reduction in 2017 to the anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the company continues to chip away at design limitations. Achieving fully curved, edge-to-edge displays remains the final frontier, much like the smooth display curves of the Apple Watch.
This concept isn’t just about style – it’s a statement of minimalism and futuristic design. A phone that feels like pure glass could redefine modern aesthetics, merging hardware and interface into a single, flowing form. It’s not arriving tomorrow, but it’s a glimpse into a sleek, touch-anywhere future.