Apple has applied for a patent for viewing angles switchable LCD panels. With this technology users can alter viewing angles on their devices.

Switchable viewing angles
Apple has applied for a patent for LCD panels with adjustable viewing angles. This could allow users to limit viewing angles on their devices to keep other people from peeking.


The patent describes how Apple can adjust the width of viewing angles by using scattering modules that sit on top of actual liquid crystals. The top layer directs light making it possible to narrow or widen viewing angles.


In the patent application Apple mentions “cellphones” and “laptops”, which may refer to all of Apple’s most popular products, including Macbooks, iPads, iPhones and iPods.

Apple first applied for the patent in November 2009 but has not secured the patent yet.

Source: USPTO