Apple Drone: As for the leaked patent, Apple perhaps will surpass DJI!

A patent application published last month suggested that an Apple drone might be in the works. Two further drone-related patent applications have come to light today – with the original filings suggesting some attempt on Apple’s part to keep the work secret.

Patent applications are a matter of public record, and there are of course people who make a habit of scouring those filed by Apple in an attempt to get an early steer on potential new products. Apple appears in this case to have attempted to hide its applications. There are two ways the company can do this. First, in some cases it is possible to delay publication of a patent application until some time after it was made. Second, file the application outside the US.

As an American company, Apple usually applies to the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), so this is where most people go hunting for clues. Patent applications made in other countries are less likely to be spotted. Patently Apple notes that the Cupertino company initially filed both these Apple drone patent applications in Singapore rather than the US.