
While Apple products have always been great performers, at least some of their appeal is rooted in brilliant design, too. Products like the MacBook have become iconic in their own right, with the Apple logo emblazoned on a metal backdrop.
The same can be said for other products, too. The iPhone silhouette is massively distinctive, for example, while the Apple Watch is as much about fashion as it is functionality.
Now, products from across the Apple range could be set for a design shake up. That's because the brand could start to offer a matte black option on some of their devices.
The news relates to a patent originally filed in 2020. That detailed a special process for creating an anodized part on their phones, smartwatches, iPads and laptops, which was matte black in appearance. That patent has just been approved by the US Trademark and Patent Office.
It would be an exciting development for the brand. In particular, the MacBook range would benefit, having not had a matte black option for almost two decades. The current crop of devices have often been criticised for using a relatively plain suite of colours, which this might help to shake up.
Given the anodization process used to achieve this, it's definitely going to be reserved for metal panels on those devices. Expect to see it used on iPhone and iPad frames, Apple Watch cases, and MacBook chassis', then.
Oh, and don't expect to see it crop up on the iPhone 15 range, either. While the timing might cause a cynic to suggest something more is afoot, it seems more likely that it's just a coincidence. But for future releases, it's definitely something which could make an appearance.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It's a neat feature for Apple fans. Personally, the prospect of a matte black MacBook is exhilarating. I love the look of the Space Grey which has become something of an Apple staple, but it is starting to show its age. If Apple are going to shake things up, that matte black seems as good an option as any to use.

Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
I must admit, if the iPhone 17 Air is this thin I'd never stop worrying
Newly leaked images show an iPhone that's so slim I'd be concerned about breaking it
-
Apple's new content curation service is about as Apple as it gets
The new Snapshot section is very pretty, but it's also missing something pretty important
-
Samsung's flagship phones will reportedly maintain one key advantage over iPhone
Apple is said to be struggling to match Samsung in a specific tech area
-
New Apple Vision Pro tipped for early 2026, but might not be what you expect
The second generation Vision Pro may not be the game-changing model you're hoping for
-
Apple Watch users will be jealous of three features on the new Motorola Watch Fit
The budget smartwatch has an enviable spec sheet
-
If the iPhone 17 Pro adds these 4 new features I'm already sold
Apple needs to make a big swing
-
Apple's Severance computer may have been a joke, but the keyboard is coming for real
Tell us where we can sign up!
-
Apple Watch is set to get Apple Intelligence this year, but only with a little help from a friend
Bring on watchOS 12