Industry watchers were given a peek this week at the future of Thunderbolt technology and the use of editing lists in connection with Apple’s (News - Alert) iPhone.

The information came from patent applications released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USTPO gave a patent for editing lists for technology that uses “touch gestures,” according to Apple Insider. The editing list patent provides “a glimpse into how Apple sought to change the future of smartphones by creating a truly integrated user interface,” Patently Apple adds.

Also, the patent applications provide details on “Apple's revolutionary I/O technology called Thunderbolt,” Patently Apple said. Thunderbolt-related patents suggest “Apple may have plans to build Intel’s (News - Alert) Thunderbolt connections into its iOS devices,” according to BGR. It is speculated that Thunderbolt ports will provide for relatively quick transfer of data on iPads, iPhones and iPods. It would also allow for shorter time for charging, news reports said.

Another issue arises with these patent applications, according to Patently Apple: Who owns the trademark and the related technology of Thunderbolt? “The general line of thinking in the market today is that Thunderbolt was developed by Intel and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple Inc. Yet beyond filing several Thunderbolt trademarks, today's multiple detailed patents from Apple would strongly suggest that they're attempting to secure Thunderbolt related patents,” Patently Apple said.

In a related matter, TMCnet reported a few months ago Apple’s line of Thunderbolt-equipped Macs will support fiber-optic Thunderbolt in 2012. MacBook Pros, iMacs, MacBook Airs and Mac Minis are to be “compatible with the upcoming fiber-optic cables,” TMCnet said, citing an IDG News Service story. As of October, Apple was the sole computer manufacturer to provide devices having Thunderbolt capability. TMCnet added that Acer (News - Alert) and Asus will start selling Windows PCs which are Thunderbolt-capable during the first half of this year.

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