Apple Exploring Possibility of Foldable iPhone With Flexible Display

[MacRumors]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent on Tuesday that shows the company has been researching a foldable iPhone design that uses a flexible OLED display.

First spotted by AppleInsider, a patent titled "Flexible display devices" describes an iPhone design that folds in two when not in use, reminiscent of the old clamshell cellphones Motorola used to make in the 1990s.

Apple's version utilizes a number of flexible parts including an OLED and a hinged metal support structure, made in one example of a nickel and titanium alloy known as nitinol, which has special elastic properties. Flexible polymers are used in alternative embodiments.

Apple envisions that the upper housing could include cameras, display controllers, speaker modules and light sensors, with the lower section of the chassis containing microphones, CPU and graphics processor, along with vibrating and other typical smartphone mechanisms.

The two sections connect via a single- or multi-shaft hinge that allows them to rotate relative to each other, while flexible printed circuit boards keep the connection intact. The flexible display meanwhile runs over the two sections and includes extra material to support two or more folding configurations.

Apart from the the more familiar clamshell folding system, the patent describes how the display could fold outward, allowing both halves of the screen to remain accessible when the phone is closed shut. This second configuration also includes clips for fixing to the user's clothing.

Later in the patent, Apple explores other more elaborate embodiments including a two-hinge design vaguely reminiscent of a Jacob's Ladder toy, and goes on to consider cover glass and viewing angle details.

The patent is more a point of interest rather than an indication that Apple is set to release a foldable phone, however the research could make its way into other products. The technology could be implemented in a large iPad that folds away, for example.

In addition, next year's 10th anniversary "iPhone 8" is expected to include a flexible OLED display, but the traditional overall form factor will most likely remain.

Article Link: Apple Exploring Possibility of Foldable iPhone With Flexible Display

 

[dannys1]

I yearn for the day where we carry around tiny phones again...perhaps foldable is the answer eventually.

 

[Adithya007]

Still no headphone jack....

 

[Sunny1990]

Waiting for the bezel less iPhone

 

[Roller]

So it'll be half as thin as the current iPhone when it's unfolded.

 

[RightMACatU]

StarTrek folding Tricoder?

 

[polee]

Oh no. Samsung will come out with this first now that it is reported here.

 

[goomba478]

It's so funny, when watching WestWorld yesterday they had something almost exactly like this and I thought to myself, " I could totally picture Apple making something like this." Make it happen ^_^.

 

[Pelea]

Calling it, iPhone 9s explodes due to unexpected battery problems that occur from folding the phone

 

[vertsix]

Oh no. Samsung will come out with this first now that it is reported here.

Samsung has already developed functional flexible displays, buddy.

 

[Zackmd1]

If anyone wants to see how something like this could be used, watch WestWorld! In WestWorld, there is an iPad sized device that can fold up via a two hinge mechanism into something about the size of a iPhone plus. I would love to have something like this! Maybe one day.....

 

[Goatllama]

So the phone industry is going to come full circle, er, angle? I think something with limited flexibility would be nice, don't necessarily need to fold it up, that seems a bit harsh on the hardware. But I'm not an engineer, so who knows.

 

[ScottButler]

Maybe an actual 'Bendgate' this time?

 

[Bustycat]

The patent of iPhone 6 Plus?

 

[Dormammu]

Won't be implemented for another 4-5 years.

 

[neuropsychguy]

Oh no. Samsung will come out with this first now that it is reported here.

You mean like this one? http://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/circuitbreaker/2016/11/9/13575424/samsung-patent-bendable-screen

 

[BvizioN]

Samsung has already developed functional flexible displays, buddy.

They have, and not just Samsung. Seen photos of some concepts years ago. Still vaporware though, until it makes it to the consumer.

 

[jonnysods]

How could you see notifications at a glance?

 

[kemal]

It always comes down to the battery.

 

[Speedy Dingo]

Where do you put the battery? Or will that also require a dongle in the future?

 

[joueboy]

If iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S has all the issue recently on a solid body frame. There's no way Apple could make a foldable without a problem. Just sayin!

 

[il8on]

I'm just here to read the best execution of a Bendgate joke.. *grabs popcorn*

 

[69Mustang]

They have, and not just Samsung. Seen photos of some concepts years ago. Still vaporware though, until it makes it to the consumer.

How is this relevant in a thread about patents? Afaik, no one claimed Sammy had foldable consumer tech. Functional flexible displays was the claim. Not the same thing.

You're right though. Multiple companies are working on flexible/bendable displays. A couple of example below.
Lenovo:

Xiaomi:

 

[erinsarah]

"The two sections connect via a single- or multi-shaft hinge, known as a 'bendgate', that allows them to rotate relative to each other."

Boom. Done.

 

[emm386]

"... But will it bend..." my ass!