The tech giant, best known for its line of mobile devices, has reportedly filed a patent for what would be a miniaturized version of its famous iPhone.
Apple calls these mini-models “nanos,” and they’ve produced them before with the iPod, going so far as to include video on the tiny device.
And that’s exactly where Apple appears to be headed with its upcoming iPhone nano. According to patent specifications for the new device, it’ll be 3.6 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide, and one-quarter inch thick, just like the current line of iPod nanos.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there, apparently. The patent designs also describe a two-sided device that would have a screen on its front and a “force-sensitive touch-surface,” whatever that means, on the back. Users will in effect use that rear surface like a touch-sensitive mouse pad as they guide a cursor around the front of the device with their fingers.
The earliest review of the device has already hit the net. MacNN writer Jack Purcher studied the diagrams extensively and called them “confusing.”
Early online reports suggest that Apple will unveil the device at the January Consumer Electronics Show.