Apple Gets Patent for Foldable iPhone and iPad with Screen Protection

For years, speculation has swirled around the possibility of an Apple foldable iPhone. But evidently, this tech giant is also looking into other folding configurations; such as a larger foldable iPad display.

Although Apple is yet to launch a folding screen phone, it appears they are cautiously making strategies for one in the future. In an exciting development, U.S. Trademark and Patent Office has recently granted Apple a new patent that could enable their folding phones to quickly fold the display if accidentally dropped.

Self-retracting display technology patented

Apple’s latest patent application, “Screen Protection Techniques Using Self-Retracting Display Device and Drop Detection” might sound complex, but its core purpose is quite straightforward. The details of the filing clarify just what this technology is intended to do.

The patent hints at utilizing a vertical altitude sensor resembling those in airplanes, which can measure the phone’s distance from the ground. If there is any sudden decrease in elevation–say for example if you drop your phone–the protective screen structure of your device will kick into action and either close or flip upside down to safeguard it from harm.

Apple takes great pride in developing robust phones, and its recent patent filing is a testament to this commitment. This patent details a concept in which the phone can detect when it is falling and rotate itself with help of vibration motors, thus providing a cushion-like landing. Although this idea has not been put into practice yet, we can see that Apple values making products of lasting quality.

For the devoted Apple enthusiast, a foldable iPhone would be like a dream come true. Not only could it function as an individual phone but also unfold into an iPad Mini-like tablet! However, we’re still uncertain when such a device will become available to us.

Foldable iPad in the works

Speculation has been rising steadily of a potential foldable iPad on the horizon., and the design is said to be similar to that of the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold. It could even be released before Apple debuts its much-anticipated foldable iPhone! Though recent patent photos suggest that all eyes are on an upcoming iPhone model, there’s always a chance for some surprise – maybe this time it’ll come in form of an impressive folding iPad.

Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young reported that Apple is creating foldable displays of up to 20-inches, and while he mentioned it was for a “foldable notebook,” it’s probable that this alludes to the invention of a foldable iPad.

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has suggested that Apple is developing bigger-sized iPads, which when coupled with the rumors of a foldable ‌iPad‌ may suggest an unfolding iPad in our near future. Additionally, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo corroborates this notion and it appears that folding technology will soon be part of our lives. Reportedly, as of early 2022 we can expect to see LG Display manufacture OLED display panels for upcoming iPads and MacBooks.

Recent reports show that Apple is looking to create a truly innovative 20.25-inch OLED foldable display, which could be featured in upcoming MacBooks or iPads. This technology would provide users with an impressive 15.3-inch screen when folded for maximum portability and convenience.