Apple moves closer to foldable iPhone

Apple's newly granted patent describes a way to solve the problem of foldable screen durability, which could help the iPhone Fold appear soon.

Apple is said to have planned to launch a foldable iPhone, but had to delay it for a number of reasons. Among them, the foldable screen provided by Samsung was not durable enough, breaking after a few days of testing. A newly granted patent called "Electronic Device with Durable Foldable Display" could fix this problem.

As described in a patent granted to Apple by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in mid-July, the foldable display increases durability by making the glass thinner at the fold and thicker at other parts to protect the display from impacts.

Describes how Apple thinned the folding part of the display in the patent. Photo: Apple

The foldable display has two parts: a protective coating and a flexible display panel. The panel can bend around its axis, while the coating is made of a layer of glass with a thin bevel that extends along the axis of the bend. Other parts of the coating are made thicker to ensure impact resistance.

According to Revegnus1, who regularly provides accurate information about Apple products, the company may announce a foldable iPhone in 2026 with a 6-inch outer screen and an 8-inch inner screen. Before that, it is likely that the 20-inch foldable iPad will be released in 2025.

A concept of a foldable iPhone. Photo: iConcept

However, Ming-Chi Kuo, a famous analyst at TF Securities, predicts that Apple will introduce two MacBook models with 20.3 and 18.8-inch foldable screens first. The product when folded is equivalent to a 15- and 14-inch laptop. Mr. Kuo believes that more than a million of these devices can be shipped by 2026. The price of the foldable screen panel alone is $650 and the hinge is $250. LG Display is the exclusive partner to develop the panel, while Amphenol is in charge of the hinge.