Apple just invented a way to keep your iPhone screen from cracking

“Electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, may be subject to various drop events. For example, an electronic device may fall from a table, fly from a user’s hand when a user trips, and/or otherwise fall to the ground or other surface,” the patent explains, simultaneously describing a typical day in my life. “The present disclosure discloses systems, apparatuses, and methods for active screen protection.”

Of course, it’s important to note that Apple has only filed a patent for this, and hasn’t yet put
its new idea into production. As Yahoo reports, “Despite the latest iPhone 6s and 6s Plus using improved Corning Gorilla Glass as well as a tougher Series 7000 Aluminium chassis, the handset’s screen is the weakest part and is prone to shattering when it takes a bad fall.”

In fact, it’s totally possible that the idea will never see the light of day — but Apple still wants to own the rights, just to be safe. Until then, we’ll stick to a sturdy phone case.