Apple has been granted a new patent for a foldable screen that can slightly bend upon impact, which could help to improve the durability of future foldable devices. The patent, which was first filed in 2020 and published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on September 5, 2023, describes a system that uses a flexible hinge to allow the screen to bend slightly when it is dropped. This bending motion helps to absorb the impact of the fall, which could help to prevent the screen from breaking.
The patent also describes a method for controlling the amount of bending that occurs. This could be done by adjusting the stiffness of the hinge or by using sensors to detect the force of the impact. By controlling the amount of bending, Apple could design a foldable screen that is both durable and flexible.
This is not the first time that Apple has filed a patent for a foldable screen. In 2019, the company was granted a patent for a foldable OLED display that could be used in a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, this is the first patent that specifically describes a system for improving the durability of a foldable screen.
The development of foldable phones has been slow due to the challenges of making a foldable screen that is both durable and flexible. However, Apple’s latest patent suggests that the company is making progress in this area. If Apple is able to successfully develop a foldable phone with a durable screen, it could be a major player in the foldable phone market.
In addition to the durability benefits, Apple’s new patent could also have other advantages. For example, the slight bending motion could help to reduce the visibility of creases in the screen. This could make foldable phones more aesthetically appealing.
It is still too early to say when Apple will release a foldable phone. However, the company’s latest patent suggests that it is actively working on this technology. If Apple is able to overcome the challenges of making a foldable phone that is both durable and flexible, it could be a major player in this growing market.
Will Apple Sell a Foldable Phone?
There have been many rumors and speculation about whether Apple will sell a foldable phone. Some analysts believe that Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone until 2025 or later. Others believe that Apple could release a foldable phone sooner, perhaps in 2024.
There are several factors that could influence Apple’s decision to release a foldable phone. One factor is the cost of foldable display technology. Foldable display technology is still relatively expensive, and Apple may not be willing to release a foldable phone until the cost comes down.
Another factor is the demand for foldable phones. Foldable phones are still a relatively new technology, and it is not clear how much demand there is for them. Apple may want to wait until there is more demand for foldable phones before releasing its own device.
Finally, Apple may also be waiting for other companies to release foldable phones and iron out the kinks in the technology. If Apple sees that other companies are successful with foldable phones, it may be more likely to release its own device.
Is the iPhone Fold Real?
The “iPhone Fold” is a rumored foldable phone that is said to be in development by Apple. There have been several reports about the iPhone Fold, but there is no concrete evidence that it actually exists.
The most recent report about the iPhone Fold came from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo said that the iPhone Fold is still in the early stages of development and is not expected to be released until 2025. He also said that the iPhone Fold will be based on the iPhone 14 design and will have a 7.6-inch foldable display.
It is important to note that Kuo’s report is just a rumor. There is no guarantee that the iPhone Fold will ever be released. However, the fact that Kuo is reporting on it suggests that there is some truth to the rumors.
Only time will tell if the iPhone Fold is real. However, the development of foldable phones is a growing trend, and it is possible that Apple will eventually release its own foldable device.
The Future of Foldable Phones
The foldable phone market is still in its early stages, but it is growing rapidly. In 2022, global shipments of foldable phones reached 9.7 million units, and this number is expected to grow to 108 million units in 2023.
The growth of the foldable phone market is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing demand for larger screens, the growing popularity of mobile gaming, and the increasing affordability of foldable phones.
Foldable phones offer a number of advantages over traditional smartphones. They have larger screens, which are ideal for watching videos, playing games, and reading books. They are also more portable, as they can be folded up and put in a pocket or purse.
However, foldable phones also have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than traditional smartphones, and they are more fragile. They are also more likely to suffer from creases and other defects in the screen.
Despite these disadvantages, the foldable phone market is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. As the technology improves and the prices come down, foldable phones will become more mainstream.
What Does the Future Hold for Apple?
It is still too early to say what the future holds for Apple in the foldable phone market. However, the company’s latest patent suggests that it is actively working on this technology. If Apple is able to overcome the challenges of making a foldable phone that is both durable and affordable, it could be a major player in this growing market.
Apple has a history of being late to market with new technologies, but it is often able to come up with a superior product that eventually dominates the market. It will be interesting to see if Apple can do the same with foldable phones.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Apple in the foldable phone market. However, the company’s latest patent suggests that it is actively working on this technology. If Apple is able to overcome the challenges of making a foldable phone that is both durable and affordable, it could be a major player in this growing market.