Apple is famously secretive, but like all companies it has to issue a list of patents to the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) and these provide hints at future upcoming projects. Apple is famous for its patents, they are detailed but often try to disguise product plans in detailed technicality. There are also a lot of patents created to protect Apple’s design, including ones for rounded corners, rectangular products, square icons and double-tapping the screen. These are mostly part of Apple’s ongoing battle with Samsung to stop it from copying its products. However many Apple patents outline fascinating technologies that the company is working on; and show the direction its products will take in the future. Updated 5 November 2013 with solar charging patent
