A woman looks at the screen of her mobile phone in front of an Apple logo outside its store in downtown Shanghai September 10, 2013.
A woman looks at the screen of her mobile phone in front of an Apple logo outside its store in downtown Shanghai September 10, 2013. Reuters

Likely in time for the iPhone 7 release date in 2015, Apple will pack the device with killer graphical user interface that will make use of 3D display technology and on board device sensors.

This possibility, according to 9to5Mac, was hinted by a new Apple patent relating to 3D GUI concept for the next iPhone and the motion-detect technology that the company had acquired when it purchased Israeli firm PrimeSense.

3D environment

As described by the freshly-approved patent, the smartphone model to replace the iPhone 6 will be fitted with imaginary cameras tasked to generate virtual walls. The whole concept is the creation of device interface that renders multiple dimensions.

The prime function of 3D GUI in an iOS device is "to automatically determine and display perspective projection of the 3D display environment based on the orientation data without the user physically touching the display," Apple said in the patent documentation.

Sensors like the gyroscope will be key so the 3D display will adjust hands-free, also rendering the next iPhone more optimised for one-hand use, Business Insider noted on its report.

"The display would be self-orienting so you could use it with one hand. You wouldn't have to worry about moving the display around with your finger," the report added.

Virtual reality

As motion detection is part of the concept, the final render is likely tied up with Apple's acquisition of PrimeSense, which is the company responsible for Microsoft's Kinect sensor.

3D interface and gesture control seem connected too on Apple's vision of adding virtual reality flavour on upcoming iterations of its iOS devices - specifically the iPhones and iPads, 9to5Mac said on its report.

These are backed by patents published as early as 2012 with the technologies in subject deemed ready for application.

Next iPhone killer features

3D and VR are only the latest possible killer features that recently published Apple patents have revealed.

In one of its latest inventions, the tech giant presented its dream of unpacking an iPhone that can control its angle prior to an accidental drop that could potentially make the phone front panel and other fragile components shatter=proof.

Another patent pointed to productivity boosts if the next iPhone or iPad will get a stylus for a companion tool.

Still, it remains to be seen if all these welcome functionalities will make the final cut as killer features for the iPhone 7 that likely is scheduled for a release date in the second half of 2015.