Is this Apple’s folding phone? Patent reveals concept iPhone that bends down the middle
- Patent shows a device that can be folded open or closed by a hinge in the middle
- Another form factor shows how it can be placed in a pyramid position, presumably so that two different people can watch a show simultaneously
- Comes as Samsung, Xiaomi, ZTE and others are developing folding phones
Apple seems to be joining the race to develop a folding phone.
The tech giant has filed a new patent showing off what appears to be a folding iPhone.
In the patent, a device can be seen folding closed, similar to a flip phone, via a hinge in the middle.
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Apple has filed a new patent showing off what appears to be a folding phone. In the patent, a device can be seen folding closed, similar to a flip phone, via a hinge in the middle
When the device is folded, it becomes smaller and more portable.
The screen can then be folded open to reveal a device with a screen that’s slightly longer than normal.
Another diagram shows that the screen can be folded backwards so that it wraps around.
In this form factor, the screen is shown in a triangle position, where presumably people seated on either side of the display could view the same content simultaneously.
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In this form factor, the screen is shown in a triangle position, where presumably people seated on either side of the display could view the same content simultaneously
When the device is folded, it becomes smaller and more portable. The screen can then be folded open to reveal a device with a screen that’s slightly longer than normal
As many pointed out, these designs are unlikely to be restricted to just an iPhone.
They could also be applied to an iPad, MacBook or even an Apple Watch.
Beyond the sketches, the patent provides few details around how the device would actually work.
The patent notes that such a device would use a flexible organic LED display.
‘Flexible displays may be mounted onto [case] overlapping the hinges,’ the patent states.
‘When the housing portions in a device are rotated relative to each other, the flexible display may bend.
As many pointed out, the patented folding screen designs are unlikely to be restricted to just an iPhone. They could also be applied to an iPad, MacBook or even an Apple Watch
‘The hinge may be configured to allow the flexible display to be placed in a front-to-front configuration in which an active side of the display faces itself or a back-to-back configuration.’
The patent, titled ‘Flexible Display Devices,’ was filed on October 12th, 2018, but was just made public late last week.
As with any patent, it’s unclear whether Apple actually plans to develop this device and the design could change.
It comes as just about every major devicemaker has detailed plans to manufacture a folding phone of some kind.
Samsung is slated to release its own folding phone, called the Galaxy Fold, tomorrow.
The Korean tech giant first teased the device last year, showing off a secretive phone that folds open to become a tablet and, when folded closed, is compact.
Chinese tech firms TCL, ZTE and Xiaomi have either debuted or have detailed plans to release a folding phone.
SAMSUNG’S FOLDING PHONE
Samsung’s foldable smartphone was announced last week and leaked reports from Korea are claiming it will be more expensive that its rival, the iPhone XS.
It is believed the pioneering handset will cost approximately two million Korean Won, which is around £1,370 ($1,760), before taxes.
The pricey gadget has been labelled the Samsung ‘Galaxy F’ and is expected to be available to buy in early 2019.
iPhone’s current marquee device, the XS, starts at £999 ($999) while the larger XS Max is available for a minimum of £1,099 ($1,099).
It is believed the pioneering Samsung galaxy F will cost approximately two million Korean Won, which is around £1,370 ($1,760), before taxes. iPhone’s current marquee device starts at £999 ($999) and the prices for the XS max begin at £1,099 ($1,099)
Kim Jang-yeol, head of research at Golden Bridge Investment, told the Korean Times that the device will be so expensive as a result of it being the first mainstream device to enter the unknown territory of foldable handsets.
According to the leak, the screen will expand to a 7.3-inch OLED screen when unfurled and it will shrink to a 4.5-inch display when closed.
The device is shrouded in mystery and Samsung has yet to release any confirmed details about the gadget’s specifications or release.
Samsung’s Developer Conference last week provided the first glimpse at the device when a prototype was displayed on a deliberately dark stage.
The tech giant has already confirmed that the phone has an Infinity Flex Display, which enables it to transform into a phone or a tablet when it’s opened and closed.
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