When you think of Apple, you immediately think of the iPhone, MacBook, or AirPods. The Apple Watch often seems like a sideshow. But that's exactly where something exciting is developing. While other manufacturers are experimenting with foldable smartphones, Apple is apparently taking a different approach – and has its sights set on the Apple Watch.
According to a recent patent application, Apple is working on a smartwatch with a foldable display. The goal is to make the watch's usable area more flexible. You could wear it on your wrist as usual, but unfold it when needed and use significantly more functions—for example, for video calls, surfing, or social media. The application demonstrates that Apple wants to make the watch increasingly independent of the iPhone.
A smartwatch with a foldable screen
The patent application is titled "Wearable Electronic Device" and describes a smartwatch with a display that can be enlarged. The technology is based on a mechanism that either slides or unfolds the display. However, most of the images refer to a folding mechanism. The idea is that the display remains compact in its normal state, but can be enlarged when needed – for example, when you are watching a video, making a call, or surfing the web. One illustration in the patent even shows a second display below the main screen that expands when unfolded (via Patently Apple).
An old mistake as a new idea
Interestingly, Apple already unintentionally encountered a similar problem in the early days of the Apple Watch. Back then, a manufacturing defect caused the display to detach from the casing on three sides. Only one side remained fixed, allowing the display to open like a hinge. Now, Apple appears to be turning this error into an intended function.
More screen, more features
The patent application states that a user wants to enlarge the display when using certain functions – such as making phone calls, video calls, gaming, or browsing. For everyday use, however, the display should be able to be folded back down compactly so that the watch remains comfortable to wear. The goal is for the Apple Watch to take on tasks in the future that currently require the iPhone. This is part of a long-term plan: Apple wants to make the Watch independent of the smartphone. The first mobile version, the Series 3, was introduced back in 2018. A dedicated app store for the watch followed in 2019, but this did not achieve the desired success – many developers stayed away from watchOS.
Two cameras directly in the housing
Another aspect of the patent application concerns the camera function. Currently, the Apple Watch can serve as a remote shutter release for the iPhone; it doesn't have its own camera. That could soon change. According to the patent, Apple is considering installing two cameras. One external camera would work both when the watch is open and closed. The second, an internal camera, would be primarily intended for video telephony or conference calls. This would allow the Apple Watch to perform functions previously reserved for smartphones.
What's missing: Information on shelf life
One point of criticism remains: durability. Precisely because you wear the Apple Watch on your wrist and are constantly on the move, the question arises as to how stable such a foldable display can be. The patent application does not contain any information on this. It is therefore unclear how Apple intends to solve the problem of mechanical stress – or whether a market-ready product is even planned.
Not a product yet, but a clear signal
Apple regularly files hundreds of patents. Only a fraction of them are actually implemented. Even with this application, it's impossible to say if and when a foldable Apple Watch will hit the market. What is clear, however, is that Apple is seriously pursuing the idea and has been thinking about this concept for some time. The goal is clear – the Apple Watch should become a device that can perform many of the functions of an iPhone. Whether this will succeed remains to be seen. Should such a model ever appear, it is likely to be in a significantly higher price range. It is already expected that a future iPhone Fold could cost more than a Mac Studio.
Apple Watch: Apple rethinks the smartwatch from the ground up
Apple isn't planning a gimmick; it's reimagining the smartwatch. A foldable Apple Watch could not only change the design but also fundamentally expand the watch's functionality. The patent application just published shows that Apple is seriously researching this direction. Whether it will lead to a real product remains to be seen—but the groundwork has been laid. (Image: Apple)
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