In a bid to join the foldable phone trend, Apple seems to be cooking up something special. Recent rumors suggest that a foldable iPhone might be on the horizon, and what’s more, it could feature a groundbreaking self-healing screen.
While Apple has been exploring the concept of foldable devices for over a decade, the main challenge has been to create a design that meets the brand’s stringent standards of quality and durability. However, a newly discovered patent sheds light on a potential breakthrough – a folding screen that can repair itself when scratched or dented.
The patent, titled “Electronic Devices with Flexible Display Cover Layers,” outlines a device with three main components: two rigid displays and a flexible section connecting them. The innovative aspect lies in the incorporation of a self-healing element, possibly a layer of elastomer, which can stretch and return to its original shape. This material could cover the entire display section or just the flexible area, offering varying degrees of protection against damage.
Apple envisions this self-healing property as a game-changer, allowing the device’s screen to repair itself “without prompting.” Alternatively, external stimuli such as heat, light, or electric current could initiate or expedite the healing process. Transparent conductors within the screen could create a heating layer, activating the self-healing material to mend scratches or dents.
Beyond foldable phones, Apple sees potential applications for this technology in laptops, watches, and other small products. The patent hints at Apple’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to explore new frontiers in consumer electronics.
While this patent is no guarantee of a foldable iPhone hitting the market soon, it underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of smartphone technology. With competitors like Samsung and Motorola already offering foldable devices, Apple’s entry into this space could redefine the mobile landscape once again.
