Although Apple has rejected long ago Following the idea of a touch screen for its iMac, new information suggests that the tech giant could be considering backtracking on its stance.
A updated patent application (reported by 9to5Mac) that was first introduced in 2023 revealed an iMac design with a rotating stand. The reasoning behind the patent is that such a stand would be much easier to transport and take up less space. However, looking at images of the iMac some familiar design options appear.
Apple typically doesn't make a habit of reusing designs for its patents, especially those that are already so well known. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that the company is disguising a touchscreen iMac, which would be similar to the Microsoft Surface Studio. It would also make sense from a competitive standpoint, as Apple would be facing a rival by offering a product that has clearly generated a lot of interest.
Not to mention, it would be a huge boon for artists, who are one of Apple's biggest customers, as their line of desktop and laptop computers are perfect for creative work and video editing. And this would be an excellent opportunity to enter the touchscreen desktop PC market and take it over, since Microsoft has not released a Microsoft Surface Studio since 2020.
Apple should reconsider its stance on the touch screen
In 2016, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, boldly stated that the concept of a touchscreen iMac wouldn't work: “Can you imagine a 27-inch iMac where you have to reach out and try to touch and do stuff? “That becomes absurd.”
However, he also stated that Apple has been experimenting with the idea, and Schiller admitted that the company worked on touchscreen Macs “several times over the years.” It appears that any outcome of such experimentation soured the tech giant's opinion of said technology.
But that was back in 2016 and touchscreen technology has only improved by leaps and bounds since then. If Apple isn't already testing it, it's time to get back into the swing of things and try iMac touchscreens again. Hopefully, this updated patent turns out to be a step in the right direction.
