Apple was just approved 21 patents today from the US Patent and Trademark Office. Wait- before you check your URL, yes you are on Phandroid.com. If you were thinking, “What is this Apple $#@%&@*#?” Well, my friend — that’s because some of these newly acquired patents could become a potential problem for Android and her manufacturers. Lets take a look at a few of these patents Apple just got their hands on.

Apparently, an “integrated touchscreen” is an innovation that Apple now owns. Now, I don’t know about you but last time I checked, I’m pretty sure my phone had an integrated touchscreen. Well, sort of. This particular patent describes a new kind of technology that would merge touch-sensing components and a display panel into a single unit. Currently, they are separate pieces. This new tech would provide touch screens that are thinner, brighter, more power efficient and cost effective. Sounds like something Samsung would use in their future Super AMOLED Plus displays (and I could have sworn, was already using?).

What else was Apple able to dig their claws into? Well, they finally acquired a patent they submitted way back in ’07 that describes an interface and method for streamlining the voicemail experience by eliminating complex navigations and unnecessary buttons. Although vague, this pretty much sounds like the voicemail app I’m currently using on my Evo 3D right now.

Apple has been a very busy boy lately suing the pants off of OEM’s and acquiring new patents to use on the offensive. While I used to think I could simply ignore Apple and avoid their products it seems I was being naive. Apple seems hell-bent on destroying their opposition and these newly acquired patents can do nothing but help their cause.

[Via Electronista]