Apple's next iPhones could be self-cleaning

Apple appears to be investing in a new technology for cleaning the inside of smartphones. Until now, the main focus has been on cleaning the outside of iPhones. This is easily done with a cotton cloth and water or a special microfibre cloth. Cleaning the inside of the device, however, has so far been beyond the average user, as it requires the device to be disassembled.

The dust that accumulates inside, however, can affect the operation of the iPhone. As a result, the American tech giant is looking into a self-cleaning solution, researching a system that could clean the inside of the phone automatically. According to the website AppleInsider, this involves an Apple patent for a system that cleans sensors using ultraviolet light.

The patent is described as follows:

«UV rays can trigger a photo-oxidation process, which causes squalene to break down. When reacting with ultraviolet light, squalene, shown by its chemical formula, breaks down into three by-products… which may not be harmful to environmental sensors». As is clear from the above, this is a complex process that will need extensive testing before it can be put into use. However, with the recent spread of the covid-19 pandemic, hygiene and general disinfection are becoming increasingly necessary. Whether Apple will implement this particular technology is still under consideration.