Development of the foldable iPhone is apparently continuing as a recently discovered patent filing suggests that Apple is looking for a way to better protect its device from drops.
Available on the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (opens in new tab), the application is called Self retracting display device and techniques for protecting the screen using fall detection. Quite a mouthful, but it does succinctly describe how Apple can try to minimize damage to the screen. As described, the device will contain some sort of sensor, such as an accelerometer. If it detects the iPhone being dropped, the sensor signals an “electronically adjustable locking mechanism” to snap the phone shut quickly.
The application hints that the mechanism may not close all the way if the iPhone is too close to the ground and remains partially open. But that’s fine, because according to the patent, “even the screen folds one corner less [than] 180 degrees can [still] provide some protection”. In any case, the impact will be on the sides rather than directly on the screen.
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Another angle that Apple looks at in the application is the hinge. The foldable iPhone can consist of two separate screens that connect when the device is unfolded instead of a normal hinge in the middle. So when the phone is closed, the top screen detaches itself from the bottom, which should help with protection. It’s hard to say for sure because the document doesn’t describe exactly how things will work. Rather, the application explains how things can work on the phone.
Large parts of the patent document talk about the possibilities of the foldable iPhone. For example, the sensor behind the fall protection may consist of “accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses and/or other components” to detect movement. However, Apple does not directly point to a specific technology. Most importantly for the company, the internal mechanisms can detect when the drop rate “exceeds a predetermined threshold” to snap shut automatically. Whether the device can actually register a fall fast enough to fully close remains to be seen.
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Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating the internet for about three years now. During that time, other patents have been leaked and we’ve seen the device concept change in real time. One design “had two hinges for a hypothetical three screens,” allowing the phone to fold into a Z-shaped formation. While another prototype experimented with an Electronic Paper Display. Don’t hold your breath at the “iPhone Fold” coming soon, though. The latest leaks point to a 2025 release so you have plenty of time to save up for what is likely to be a very expensive smartphone.
If you want something right now, check out TechRadar’s list of the best foldable phones for 2023.