Apple appears to be advancing the development of a foldable iPhone, according to new rumors. The company apparently asked Foxconn, its largest iPhone supplier, to create two prototype folding prototypes with monitors.
As reported by Tom’s Guide on Sunday, which quotes 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 projects is similar to Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, which we will remember has a flexible screen with crease in the middle and can be folded. The other is closer to Microsoft’s Surface Duo, note taking, a device with two screens that resembles a book and is held together by a hinge.
It is unclear whether Apple is working on two separate foldable phones or whether it is testing various ideas for the final new type of iPhone, according to Tom’s Guide.
Add that to a recent patent application published on Thursday by the US Patent and Trademark Office – which was filed at April last year – and you can’t help but be extraordinarily curious about what Apple is doing in that area. The app, entitled “Electronic folding devices with toothed hinges”, describes a device that can be folded in and out.
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“An electronic device has a foldable screen. The first and second portions of an electronic device housing for the device can be joined using a hinge. A flexible screen can overlap the first part of the compartment and the second part of the compartment and can bend along an axis of curvature as the first and second parts of the compartment are rotated in relation to each other using the hinge ”, reads the Summary.
This is not Apple’s first patent application that appears to be related to foldable phones, and it probably won’t be the last. He also applied for a patent for a self-healing display as well as one that allows two screens to work perfectly as one when they’re close to each other.
Just because the company filed for patents and because the rumor is simmering, does not mean that any of the ideas or designs are a closed deal. Some may never be done. While we believe that Apple will eventually make a foldable phone, it can end up being very different from anything we speculate when it finally gets here. However, it never hurts to imagine the possibilities.
[Tom’s Guide]