Apple has filed for a patent (number 20220163997) for a “bi-stable spring with flexible display” for a future Apple Watch.
About the patent filing
The patent could also apply to other devices such as the iPhone and iPad. However, the accompanying images deal mainly with a smartwatch. In the patent, Apple says that, if care isn’t taken, electronic devices with displays “may not have a desired appearance or may be difficult to use satisfactorily.”
For example, displays may be bulky and unattractive or may not accommodate a desired electronic device shape. One solution: wider, more flexible screens with curved surface profiles.
Summary of the patent filing
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “A wearable accessory device is disclosed. The wearable accessory device includes a flexible display coupled to a bi-stable spring. Coupling the display to the bi-stable spring allows the accessory device to be easily worn in a number of convenient locations.”
