Apple Patents Method for Adjusting the iPhone's Position in Mid-Air

Apple has patented a method for adjusting the position of the iPhone while in freefall. The patent entitled, 'Protective Mechanism for an Electronic Device', aims to minimize damage to your device when dropped.

Examples of the disclosure may take the form of a method for protecting a vulnerable area of an electronic device during a freefall. The method may include detecting a freefall of the device by a sensor. Then, determining via at least one sensor an orientation of the device. After the orientation of the device has been determined, estimating an impact area of the device. Then, selectively changing the orientation of the device via a protective mechanism, depending on the estimated impact area of the device. 

Apple details several protective mechanisms. For example, the angular momentum could be altered via rotating or linearly sliding a mass. A thrust mechanism such as a gas canister could produce a thrust force in one or multiple directions to reorient the device. Other protective mechanisms include an air foil, retracting buttons, and even the ability to grip to headphones if they are inserted.