‘Foldable cover and display patent filing’ hints that Apple is working on a ‘foldable’ iPhone

Apple has filed for another patent (number 20210011516) that hints that it’s working on “foldable’ iPhones (and, perhaps, iPads). It’s for a “foldable cover and display for an electronic device.”

The display layer and the cover layer would be configured to be moved between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration by bending the cover layer along the foldable region. Methods of making a cover layer for an electronic device are also disclosed in the patent filing.

Traditionally, electronic devices have a single form factor that may be driven by the size and shape of the display. Apple notes that because many traditional displays are rigid or at least inflexible that a traditional device that is adaptable to accommodate multiple form factors includes the use of a mechanical hinge or pivot joint. 

The tech giant says that, however, these traditional configurations used for traditional notebook and tablet devices are limited by the integration and size required by a separate mechanical hinge. Apple wants to implement devices and techniques for forming portable electronic devices having a flexible cover coupled to a flexible display that don’t have the limitations or drawbacks associated with some traditional solutions. 

The foldable iPhone mock-up is courtesy of The Sun.