Apple patent envisions a foldable iPhone
Maybe it'd be called the iFold?
Apple might be joining the folding-phone craze. A patent now held by the iPhone maker shows a design for a "flexible display" that appears to be similar to some of the upcoming foldable phones such as the Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr.
On Tuesday, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a patent filed by Apple titled "Electronic devices with flexible displays and hinges." The patent abstract describes the flexible display as being able to fold and unfold with a hinge mechanism to make sure there's adequate space between the folding portions of the display.
Even with the existence of the patent, it's unclear if this could lead to a future device for Apple. The iPhone maker filed a similar patent for a folding device with a clamshell design last February. Analysts predicted Apple could make a folding iPad sometime in 2021, but the company has yet to show any sign of it coming to fruition.
Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Originally published Feb. 5, 8:40 a.m. PT.
Update, 9:17 a.m. PT: Adds additional background details.