Recently, we heard news that Apple had filed a patent for a very different kind of iMac. The patent details a slick, mostly glass, all-in-one (AIO) design with a distinctly futuristic vibe. Until now, we've only had some fairly uninspiring line drawings to give us an idea of how this radically different design might look – but Concept Creator on YouTube has come to the rescue with a 3D rendering based on the patent details.

If this video is anything to go by, the potential new design is going to look incredible. There are some aesthetic similarities to the current iMac (incidentally, our pick of the best computer for graphic design, and the best computer for video editing right now). The curvy junction between the screen and its stand and the generally minimalist, sleek approach are both present, but other than that it's an entirely new ball game. Take a look at the mockup below.

As a reminder, here's what the current iMac looks like.

This brushed aluminium look has been around for a while now (Image credit: Apple)

Below, you can take a closer look at the diagrams of the potential new design included in the newly published patent. The distinct screen, housing and separate keyboard encased in brushed aluminium have been replaced by an AIO made mostly of glass.

The accompanying text details "a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area... a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and lower portion."

A new patent shows a mostly glass all-in-one design (Image credit: Apple)

The patent also includes a support structure on the rear, which TechRadar suggests could contain the machine's computing power, with the glass section being fitted solely with sensors for the inputs, display and camera. See the full patent here.

Apple has gained plenty of news inches for its design decisions over the years – even something relatively minor, such as the replacement of Forest Green for Navy Blue in the iPhone 12 lineup – has people talking. So we're doubly excited at the prospect of something potentially radical to follow in the footsteps of the Mac Pro 'dustbin' and 'cheese grater' designs, for example.

When, or even if, this spacey new look will become reality is quite another thing. At the moment, it's still in its research phase, so it's certainly not on the cards any time soon. Although it's worth noting that while the patent was published on 23 January 2020, it was filed last May, which means Apple has been exploring this direction for a little while now.

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