Apple wins new patent: car sunroof system with adjustable transparency

According to foreign media reports, the US Patent and Trademark Office has granted Apple a patent for a car sunroof. The sunroof uses glass with adjustable transparency, so the driver can adjust the transparency of the sunroof. In addition, the patent also states that the car sunroof and windows can be opened in sequence, which is very different from the current cars with fixed sunroofs.

(Image source: US Patent and Trademark Office)

The patent document describes the skylight as follows:

Another aspect of the disclosed example is a vehicle having a window and an adjustable translucent region. The adjustable translucent region is controllable so that the degree of light intake can be desired through the window. The movable panel assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position.

In other words, in the future, Apple Car drivers will not need to open the windows to let sunlight into the car, and of course they can also open the windows completely to breathe in fresh air. In the future, the Apple Car sunroof will also be able to be adjusted through CarPlay and even through Siri.

Importantly, the patent also indirectly confirms that Apple is indeed developing a car. Recently, there have been reports that Apple is also developing and testing a new self-driving car system and working with other companies to explore manufacturing plans. As Apple's car project team has lost many engineers in succession, it is expected that Apple Car will take another three to four years to launch.