Apple's new patent shows their vision of a foldable iPhone

This year has been filled with companies opting to go for foldable phones and actually succeeding (not you, Samsung). Now, it looks like even Apple wants a piece of the pie as a new patent shows Apple’s vision of what could be a foldable iPhone.

The patent titled “Foldable cover and display for an electronic device” was filed by Apple with the USPTO (via PhoneArena) and was awarded to Apple on Tuesday. The patent shows an inward folding phone similar to the Galaxy Fold.

Traditionally, electronic devices have a single form factor that may be driven by the size and shape of the display. Because many traditional displays are rigid or at least not flexible, a traditional device that is adaptable to accommodate multiple form factors includes the use of a mechanical hinge or pivot joint. However, these traditional configurations used for traditional notebook and tablet devices are inherently limited by the integration and size required by a separate mechanical hinge. Embodiments described herein are directed to devices and techniques for forming portable electronic devices having a flexible cover coupled to a flexible display that do not have the limitations or drawbacks associated with some traditional solutions.

– Apple

Apple filed the patent long before Samsung Galaxy Fold was announced so Apple might evaluate it again considering all the problems Samsung has been facing. With Apple filing patents for foldable phones, there’s a chance that Apple is seriously considering a foldable iPhone.