If Apple develops a new technology that revolutionizes its iPhones, the type of intellectual property that they can use to stop others from copying their invention is patents.
Patents are granted for new inventions or processes, giving the patent holder exclusive rights to use, sell, or license the invention for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date. This legal protection prevents others from making, using, or selling the patented technology without permission.
Other forms of intellectual property mentioned, such as trademarks, geographical indications, copyright, and registered designs, serve different purposes and would not be suitable for protecting a new technological invention in the same way that a patent does.