The rumors about a foldable iPhone have been with us since last year. There are supposedly already prototypes that have various technologies. Now a new patent reveals Apple's world of ideas.
Apple seems to be seriously working on foldable iPhones. This is not only suggested by rumors but also official patent applications. Reports suggest that there are already several prototypes using various folding techniques. But let's move on to the latest patent. Apple appears to be considering a strip-shaped display area. According to the patent, this should be active even when the phone is folded and display incoming notifications. The description states:
A protruding display portion (sometimes referred to as an uncovered display area, protruding display area, uncoverable display area, exposed display edge, uncovered, permanently exposed display area, etc.) may be used to display any suitable content. For example, notifications of incoming messages (emails, text messages, etc.), calendar contents (e.g., meeting reminders), alarms (e.g., alarms, location-based alarms, etc.), battery status, wireless signal strength, airplane mode status, and other status information may be displayed on the protruding display area by a control circuit. The uncovered, permanently exposed display area may also be used by the control circuit to display icons (e.g., icons associated with default applications and/or a set of frequently used and/or user-defined applications) and/or other content.
Apple's interest in foldable iPhone models
This special external display appears to be active even when the device is closed. This would allow users to quickly and easily view notifications without having to open the iPhone. This technology could of course also offer completely new interaction options, including a new version of widgets. Apple explains further:
The displayed content may be interactive (e.g., the content may include selectable screen elements such as selectable icons, selectable buttons, selectable menu options, and/or other selectable content). Selectable content may be selected by providing user input to select a displayed element (e.g., with an overlapping touch sensor and/or force sensor and/or with nearby touch sensors, force sensors, buttons, etc.).
There are still many fans who reject a foldable iPhone. But Apple's research proves that the company is seriously interested in such technologies. Of course, the same applies here - a patent does not necessarily have to be implemented and can also remain just an idea. However, due to various reports from analysts and leakers A foldable iPhone seems to be becoming more and more realistic. (Photo by lcs813 / Bigstockphoto)
