Apple Exploring Convex-Shaped Devices With Flexible Displays

[MacRumors]

Apple is exploring the use of flexible displays to make convex devices, according to a new Apple patent filing published today.

MacRumors concept​

The application titled "Electronic devices with convex displays," was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and builds a picture of how an Apple convex-shaped device may work. Apple devices such as iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro have curved edges, and the patent explains that such "conventional arrangements" where "only the proportions of the device other than the display have a convex shape... may limit the internal volume of the device and detract from its appearance."

The convex device envisioned in the patent would have a front face and a rear face, with the display stretching seamlessly from one side to the other. The two remaining exposed edges would allow access to the inner housing. The filing explains that the main advantage of a convex device would be maximizing the internal volume, making more space available for the battery, for example.

Crucially, a convex device is facilitated by use of a flexible display unit. Unlike other uses of flexible displays, such as for foldable devices, the patent suggests mounting a flexible display to a rigid body. The display would therefore permanently conform to the curved shape of the body. This would make flexible displays, which are otherwise known for their lack of durability, considerably more hardwearing. In addition to a flexible display, the patent refers to other flexible layers built around the body.

Another area of interest for Apple is the capability for a convex device to potentially be more aesthetically pleasing. The patent explains that since users "may find a thinner device more desirable than a thicker device," a "convex housing shape may increase the internal volume of a device while preserving a sleek, thin look that is aesthetically pleasing."

Though devices with flexible displays have come to market as foldable smartphones, there has not been a commercial convex device of this kind before. Apple has been granted patents in the past for flexible OLED displays, foldable devices, and devices made from a single sheet of glass, and the area is a clear interest for the company.

Article Link: Apple Exploring Convex-Shaped Devices With Flexible Displays

 

[macman01101]

So..glasses

 

[Sharewaredemon]

I find this interesting, but I also imagine a bar of soap and laugh.

I think the question is: Would a form factor like this be more, or less drop prone?

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

I find this interesting, but I also imagine a bar of soap and laugh.

I think the question is: Would a form factor like this be more, or less drop prone?

Your hand isn't flat, but varies in shape. Contours like that would simply allow for better contact with your palm, therefore more friction, less likely to slip or fall. (Uneducated guess, but seems probable to me.)

 

[MrGimper]

Your hand isn't flat, but varies in shape. Contours like that would simply allow for better contact with your palm, therefore more friction, less likely to slip or fall. (Uneducated guess, but seems probable to me.)

But surely that would be the back of the device, where the screen isn’t, and could be done now

 

[Kobayagi]

So these with bigger screens.

 

[SirChristopher]

They've explored this form factor before...

 

[AvisDeene]

So these with bigger screens.

View attachment 940385

I would love it if they released and iPhone with the same shade of purple as the third device from the left.

 

[AngerDanger]

Meh, wake me up when they patent a concave display.

 

[JM]

iPhone 16 confirmed! Get excited! ?

 

[sundog925]

maybe they are making a curved Apple Watch so we dont have to buy the current ugly design. I love my Fitbit charge design, but would rather Apple Watch features.

 

[Longeggborough]

New AppleTV remote...

 

[Kabeyun]

maybe they are making a curved Apple Watch so we dont have to buy the current ugly design. I love my Fitbit charge design, but would rather Apple Watch features.

Given the tremendous success of the AW, I don’t think anyone at Apple is fretting about consumers thinking they’re ugly, let alone doing something about it.

 

[Jbusick7944]

Seems like it only increases volume if the thicker part is bigger than the thinner part.

 

[Sharewaredemon]

Meh, wake me up when they patent a concave display.

View attachment 940390

Give me a TechDeck case and an iPhone with a skateboard concave mould and I'm good to go.

 

[B4U]

Meh, wake me up when they patent a concave display.

View attachment 940390

Oh, please don't give them ideas of curved screens again. LOL
That would be a nightmare to put a screen protector on.

 

[GaryMumford]

Maybe this is the AirTag

 

[citysnaps]

Another day, another one of the seven patents Apple files every business day (on the average).

 

[w5jck]

Just more artsie-fartsie garbage. I wish they would put their emphasis on functionality rather than stupid form...

 

[Adoniram]

I guess iPod is an option, but my first thought was a new AppleTV remote. I know how everyone loves the touch pad on the current remote, so this would be even better. Perhaps even "the best remote we've ever made for an AppleTV."

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

So these with bigger screens.

View attachment 940385

Precisely where my imagination went when I read this article! I had this one in red, except the later generation in which the screen was a little taller and had a camera in it.

 

[subjonas]

Would this phone shape bulge in my pocket more or less than it needs to? That’s actually more important to me than the advantages that this design is reportedly potentially able to bring.

 

[Mikkis]

I'm pretty sure I saw a pic of iPhone prototype like this back in 2015 when I was googling next generation iPhone mockups. It was all black and the photo looked genuine. I still have my doubts about the shape though.

Sorry it was already in 2013 and I found it

Purported photos of Apple iPhone 6 prototype with edge-to-edge display, no Home button posted online (with photos)

Photos of an alleged iPhone 6 prototype have surfaced online...

macdailynews.com

 

[biffuz]

We need a website only for those dumb Apple patents, obviously never destined to become a product, complete with screenshots of excited comments of people trying to explain why that is a good idea.
My favorite is still the laptop with the CD reader on the bottom.

 

[gaximus]

Maybe this is for the Apple Watch and not an iPhone.