Two new inventions by Apple signalled that the 2013 iOS 7 tablet iterations, the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2, will come with more attractive form factors, plus a new feature that allows for selective restriction of touchscreen functions.

The first patent suggest that Apple device designs gain more elasticity thanks largely to the introduction of flexible battery packs in future iPhone and iPad builds, with the likelihood that the technology will be in active use in time for the two iPad releases in the later part of 2013.

The new Apple patent, which supports an earlier filing this year, leads to better device manufacturing techniques that would give more space for Apple device designers to experiment on unique form factors.

Apart from coming up with iOS gadgets that are curvy and on different shapes and sizes, designers practically have free rein in sketching device blueprints that are both flexible and durable.

The iPad 5, for example, is rumoured to have been slimmed down significantly and with a flexible battery pack, tapering off its case on the four edges will indeed render the tablet thinner and lighter.

The patent also declared that the new battery pack will afford optimal reliability from the manufacturing process to the actual use of the device. End-users will benefit from the sturdier build of iPhones and iPads, their case more resistant to dust and moisture invasion, made possible by the bendable battery.

And as Apple endeavours to issue more durable products, the tech giant is also ramping up efforts to make the iPads and iPhones more accessible for people with disabilities.

Another of its new patent will soon introduce the use of touchscreen interface restrictions that greys out certain applications and features, which according to Patently Apple is most useful for persons with cognitive impairment.

With the new system, parents or teachers can adjust specific iPad functions and features, depending on the requirements and situation. Control keys - hardware and capacitive - can be disabled to prevent unintended file deletions and restrict entry into system settings that could leave the device malfunctioning.

Also, the touchscreen icons can be disabled by the system to serve the same purpose of stopping unnecessary access to specific features.

The three major controllers identified for restriction are the Rotate, Shake and Motion interactions, the report said.