Apple has filed for another patent (number 10,579,105) that hints at a “foldable” iPhone, iPad, and perhaps even a Mac laptop. The patent filing is for a”foldable cover and display for an electronic device.”
I’m doubtful that Apple will ever actually release such devices, but, per the patent filing details, the display layer and the cover layer of such a gadget would be configured to be moved between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration by bending the cover layer along the foldable region.
In the patent filing, Apple says that, traditionally, electronic devices have a single form factor that may be driven by the size and shape of the display. Because many traditional displays are rigid or at least not flexible, a traditional device that is adaptable to accommodate multiple form factors includes the use of a mechanical hinge or pivot joint.
However, per Apple, “these traditional configurations used for traditional notebook and tablet devices are inherently limited by the integration and size required by a separate mechanical hinge.” Therefore, the tech giant is at least experimenting with foldable designs.
