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Could a black MacBook be in the works? On Thursday, Apple received a patent indicating that the company is at least working on the possibility.
The patent, which was discovered by Patently Apple, refers to how to coat a piece of metal with a protective layer that can absorb visible light. The result promises to create a matte black appearance on surfaces including aluminum, titanium and steel.
According to the Apple patent, current techniques for staining consumer electronics black are flawed because metal surfaces still reflect some light. “In fact, the best attempts have achieved only a dark gray color,” the company wrote in the presentation, which was originally made in May 2019.
To solve the problem, Apple seems to have embraced the principle behind Vantablack, one of the blackest fabric materials on the planet. It can also absorb light to create an ultra-black appearance by using millions of microscopic carbon nanotubes to trap incoming photons.
Apple’s patent also proposes the use of “nanoscale tubes” in conjunction with colored dye pigments to create a one-micrometer layer on a metal surface to create the true color black. The presentation continues by pointing out examples of applying the technique to a smartphone, tablet, smart watch and finally a laptop.
(Credit: Apple patent)
“Additionally, any visible light that is not absorbed by these light-absorbing characteristics is diffusely reflected off the external surface,” adds the company’s patent. “As a result, the external surface is characterized by a low gloss matte finish.”
A possible black MacBook would certainly add some variety to the product. Currently, the MacBook Pro is only available in two colors: silver and space gray. The MacBook Air, meanwhile, is available in a third color: gold.
The last time Apple offered a black MacBook was more than a decade ago with a black polycarbonate model, which was later discontinued. To get the product in black, you currently have to settle for a custom “skin” from vendors like Blvck Paris that you can stick on the laptop case.
