Apple Patents Tech That Could Solve The Biggest Issue With Current Foldable Devices

[JosephAW]

Apple needs to think outside the box.
Instead of unfolding it needs to scroll out for variable length.
But truth is that AR glasses will probably replace the iPhone screen and the iPhone will just be a small box with no screen or ports you carry in your pocket.

 

[SteveJUAE]

What plague what solution

This is just patent fodder for the less technically proficient

 

[cmaier]

Well you're avoiding a fold and having a physical join instead, not really better.

It’s better if you prefer the feel and durability of actual glass to plastic or Samsung’s feaux-glass. Or if you prefer not having to worry about gunk getting into the hinge and destroying the device. Or if you prefer the ability to not have to carry the weight and volume of the second part of the screen when you don’t need it.

 

[Puppuccino]

I don't want a foldable phone, I want holograms!

 

[GeoStructural]

Using 2 screens doesn't "solve the problem with foldable screens". It avoids it.

In Engineering one of the best solutions is “by-passing”. If this landslide area is too expensive to remediate just build a bypass and go around. It can be cheaper and thus the best value solution.
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Well you're avoiding a fold and having a physical join instead, not really better.

This, I agree. Honestly I get the desire to innovate and the appeal of larger screens, but is there really a big market for foldable phones out there? I am quite content with the size of my iPhone 11 Pro and I don’t think a foldable piece would make me want to change it.

 

[TheSapient]

It's a smaller version of the tiles used to build the large microLED screens, such as Samsung's The Wall. Even when using identical tiles from the same batch (presumably, at least from the same production line about the same time), set up professionally as a single unit, apparently the different tiles can often be seen by small changes in such things as brightness.

There are uses for this idea, but it is not a solution to foldable displays.

I also immediately thought of "The Wall" when reading this. The communication method in this patent may or may not be novel, but the idea of using multiple small screens to make a larger screen, as seamlessly as possible, is not.

 

[Fatyank]

Remember Naven Johnson (Steve Martin) in "The Jerk" and his OptiGrab glasses. That did not go well either. Stay away from the fold😱😱😱

 

[one more]

iPhone Lego style, yei! 😉✌️

 

[dazz87]

Foldable phone NO thanks.......

 

[ChazSch]

It's a smaller version of the tiles used to build the large microLED screens, such as Samsung's The Wall. Even when using identical tiles from the same batch (presumably, at least from the same production line about the same time), set up professionally as a single unit, apparently the different tiles can often be seen by small changes in such things as brightness.

There are uses for this idea, but it is not a solution to foldable displays.

we have a video wall in our local bank branch. The middle screen is darker than the rest, which really disrupts the flow. But I am going to assume if Apple uses this on a foldable phone, it will lock down individual adjustments.
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Not interested- a don't understand why people want folding phones or even ones with last large screen. I'm sure it would be nice if you're watching video but the rest of the time?? Current phones already don't fit well in pockets,etc.

I thought that at first. I have a 7 Plus and it fits fine.

 

[falainber]

folding smartphones today make 70% of your current smartphone usage worse to make 10% of the usage better.

They also make 100% of carrying them better and that's the prevalent usage for the smartphones for most people.

 

[iPadified]

Yes please. Sidecar an iPad with another joined together in a nice package. I wonder how scratch resistant two screens facing against each other will be? Two hard surfaces and a little bit of dirt is not a good combination.

 

[kirbyrun]

Foldable smartphones are undoubtedly the latest device trend

Er, really? Pretty much every single one that's been released is a massive failure. I think it's more accurate to say "Foldable smartphone are undoubtedly being pursued on many levels" or something like that. Or make the statement less absolute: "Foldable smartphones are one possible trend in future devices..."

 

[Jimmy James]

This avoids all of the pitfalls while adding a new way to expand your screen space. However, I’m not buying 2 devices just to have more screen.

 

[cmaier]

This avoids all of the pitfalls while adding a new way to expand your screen space. However, I’m not buying 2 devices just to have more screen.

Sure. But would be a nice way to use an old device, or you could borrow your spouse's device for a little more real estate when on the road, etc.

 

[no_idea]

Much better solution. As usual Apple comes along and does the obvious that no one thought of.

U do realize the Microsoft duo is a similar concept right?
- it does have a hinge but avoids the folding aspect of glass...Apple did not think about this first

 

[cmaier]

U do realize the Microsoft duo is a similar concept right?
- it does have a hinge but avoids the folding aspect of glass...Apple did not think about this first

The difference is that this uses two regular devices, each of which can be used on its own. When placed together, they operate in a combined mode. They can also share other resources when placed together, not just display, if you read the patent.

 

[jerryk]

Shipping next, the 2-pack iPhone 12. Starting price $1999.

 

[macduke]

This looks more like a concept for a future MacBook or iPad with a detachable display keyboard.

 

[jerryk]

I don't want a foldable phone, I want holograms!

Ha. People will just complain about the "screen" quality and colors not being true.
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Sure. But would be a nice way to use an old device, or you could borrow your spouse's device for a little more real estate when on the road, etc.

Apple will come up with some limitation that will make it not work with an old device like missing a sensor to detect the nearby device. Everyone will have to buy 2-packs of phones or phone-iPad or phone-macbook packages.

 

[MacSince1985]

This is so obvious. I hope the court invalidates the patent.

Yes. I'm amazed they were granted a patent for what's barely more than a proximity sensor.

 

[wolfshades]

Using 2 screens doesn't "solve the problem with foldable screens". It avoids it.

Agreed, and to add to your point: Apple’s take on it means it’s no longer a “foldable screen display” at all. Don’t know what you’d call it now but because of the proximity sensors it really qualifies as “new tech”.

 

[nickgovier]

.

 

[cmaier]

Only Apple could come up with the "solution" of buying two devices instead of one.

Seems pretty good to me. I don't need two screens so I pay half and only buy one. You want two screens, go ahead and pay more.

 

[jerryk]

Only Apple could come up with the "solution" of buying two devices instead of one.

As someone who owns a chunk of Apple stock I support this decision. Thanks for your support, and money.