According to new rumors, Apple seems to go along with the development of a foldable iPhone. The company has apparently asked its Foxconn, its largest iPhone supplier, to make two prototype folding shells with displays.
As reported by Tom’s Guide on Sunday, citing the Taiwanese website United Daily NewsApple’s two prototypes reflect two very different approaches to foldable phones in the industry. Tom’s Guide states that one of the designs is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, which let’s not forget has a flexible screen with fold in the middle and can be folded up. The other is closer Microsoft Surface Duo, the outlet notes, a dual-screen device that resembles a book and is held together by a hinge.
It’s not clear whether Apple is working on two separate foldable phones or whether it’s testing different ideas for the latest new type of iPhone, according to Tom’s Guide.
Add that to a recent patent application published Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, filed in April from last year – and you can’t help but be extremely curious about what Apple is up to in this area. The application, entitled “Folding Electronic Devices With Geared Hinges”, describes a device that can be folded in and out.
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“An electronic device has a foldable display. First and second parts of a housing of an electronic device for the device can be connected by means of a hinge. A flexible display can overlap the first housing portion and the second housing portion and can bend along a bend axis when the first and second housing portions are rotated relative to each other using the hinge, “the summary reads.
However, this isn’t Apple’s first patent application that appears to be related to foldable phones, and probably won’t be the last. It has also filed a patent application for one self-healing display as well as one that allows it two screens to work seamlessly together when they are close together.
Just because the company has filed for patents and because the rumor mill is buzzing doesn’t mean the ideas or designs are a done deal. Some may never be made. While we think Apple will eventually make a foldable phone, it could end up being very different from anything we’ve speculated about when it finally does. Still, it never hurts to imagine the possibilities.
[Tom’s Guide]