Apple & Carbon Fiber: What’s The Deal With That?

Something’s going on with Apple and carbon fiber. Let’s look at the evidence.

Exhibit #1
Last month, rumors were flying around about Apple ordering “large” samples of carbon fiber.

Exhibit #2
Apple recently had a patent granted for “carbon composite mold design”, which includes a process for mass-producing carbon fiber holds.

Exhibit #3
Apple has posted a Senior Carbon Engineer job in Japan.

Exhibit #4
News today indicates Apple and the carbon fiber manufacturer have actually been in a partnership for several years already.

According to Apple Insider, Apple has been heavily researching the use of carbon fiber in its devices for at least three years and is looking to make something “completely different” than the norm. Coinciding reports from Japanese Apple blog, Macotakara, suggest that Apple could weave the fiber in a unique way that would be unlike what other manufacturers have done to date.

Carbon fiber is currently being used on mobile devices like Motorola’s DROID RAZR series. If you’ve ever seen one you’ll remember the interesting weave pattern on the back of the phone. Other companies like skinit offer carbon fiber texture skins to protect your devices from bumps, scuffs and scratches.

Obviously we would never expect a copycat job from Apple. What we can expect, and ultimately what this translates to, is that lighter and more durable Apple devices are on the horizon. All those who are accident prone and have cracked or fully smashed their iPhone’s glass casing, this one goes out to you.

Source: MacRumors
Image Credit: MacRumors

A dedicated Apple enthusiast since 2007, Suzy is the co-host of Macgasm TV and features editor for Macgasm. Got a cool story idea, hot news tip or just want a stay up-to-date with the latest tech gossip? You can find her on Twitter.