Apple is no stranger to weird and wonderful patents, and the latest one to hit the interwebs is no exception.
A patent titled “Multi-Function Input Device” posted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (and spotted by Patently Apple) describes a rather talented iPhone home button which has the ability to pop up and out of the casing, turning into a multi-directional gaming joystick.
In normal use the button would appear as normal – flush with the front of the device. A simple click will however see it protrude upwards, thanks to an in-built spring, and another push will lock it back into its original position.
While it would certainly offer a better level of accuracy and feedback than digital on-screen controls, it’s just asking to snap off or fill up with dust and debris – very un-Apple compromise, if you ask us.
Still, it’s not like every single Apple patent has ever come to fruition. If they did, your iPhone would probably be sporting a holographic sapphire display and miniature jetpacks right now.
Source: via Patently Apple