Future iPhones could catch screen cracks before they turn into major problems

Walking around with a cracked iPhone screen isn't a good look. It's a major turn-off in the dating world, and it can be outlandishly expensive and complicated to fix without Apple's own care plan.

Since clumsy texters will always find a way to thrash their smartphones, a new patent spotted by Apple Insider Thursday could make it a little easier for future iPhone users to detect screen damage before their display takes on full spiderweb status. 

The patent lays out potential methods for detecting cracks as they form on the iPhone's display cover. The tech could be used to pinpoint problem areas and hairline cracks as they form beneath the surface, warning users that they're one drop away from reaching the point of no return. What exactly they might do next to prevent critical damage isn't clear, but a safety warning is better than nothing.  Read more...