You can freely build on How the iPhone's Slide-to-Unlock Gesture Works

What this patent covers

This patent describes a method for unlocking an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display. While the device is locked in a 'user-interface lock state,' it displays an 'unlock image,' which is a graphical, interactive object (Claim 1). To unlock the device, a user must make contact with the display and move this unlock image along a 'predefined displayed path' (Claim 1). If the detected contact corresponds to this specific 'predefined gesture,' the device transitions to an unlocked state (Claim 1). If the contact does not match the predefined gesture, the device remains locked and prevents other actions (Claim 2). For example, a user might drag a horizontal slider image across the screen to a specific endpoint (Claim 5, Claim 10).

What is now free to use

All 1 claims of US 7657849 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Unlocking methods that do not involve moving a graphical 'unlock image' on the display.

• Unlocking gestures that do not follow a 'predefined displayed path' (e.g., drawing a freeform pattern or shape).

• Unlocking by simply tapping or pressing an image without moving it along a path.

• Unlocking mechanisms that do not require continuous contact with the display, such as voice commands or biometric scans (Claim 4).

• Unlocking by moving an image to a predefined location without following a specific displayed path.

Who is building on this today

Apple Inc., as the original assignee, continues to develop and refine user interface interactions for its devices, building on foundational patents like this one. Other major smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Google, have also developed their own variations of lock screen interactions, often navigating around or licensing technologies related to these core concepts.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Apple Inc. US Patent 7657849. Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image. Granted 2010, expired 2025. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.