Could the next iMac possibly come complete with a touch screen? It has been reported that Sintek Phototronics has been sending samples of its projected capacitive touch screens to Apple. This has led people to ask questions about the next version of the iMac.
The big issue with adding projected capacitive touch screens to the iMac devices concerns the size of the screens. It is very complex to create a projected capacitive touch screen that is larger than 20-inches. iMacs come in 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions. Despite the difficulty of the task, Sintek has a 5.3G plant, which is one of the largest production lines for these screens, so it should not be too hard for the company to figure out the kinks for Apple.
DigiTimes has reported that Apple’s touch screen version of the iMac would feature the touch sensor and cover glass in one single panel instead of the traditional way of placing the cover glass over the sensor. This cuts down on the thickness and weight of the panel.
About a month before this news about Apple’s possible touch screen iMac, it was revealed that Apple had filed for a European patent. This patent was discovered by Patently Apple, but it only described the possibility of switching back and forth between a touch screen mode.
Now all of this is rumor and speculation, but there are other Apple rumors in the past that have turned out to be true. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if this one is. It would be amazing to have a touch screen iMac made available by Apple. I think that it could definitely be a huge hit. Everything is moving in the touch screen direction, so it makes sense that the iMac goes touch capable as well. Hopefully Apple will give us some sort of statement regarding the rumors soon. Until then, we will all have to wait patiently and see if this development comes about.