Apple's newly granted patent describes how to solve the problem of folding screen durability, making it possible for the iPhone Fold to appear soon.
Apple is said to have plans to launch a folding iPhone, but has to delay it for a number of reasons. In particular, the folding screen provided by Samsung was not durable enough and broke after a few days of testing. A newly granted patent called "Electronic device with durable folding screen" can overcome this problem.
As described in the patent granted to Apple by the US Copyright and Trademark Office (USPTO) in mid-July, folding screens increase durability by making the glass thinner in the folded part and thicker in other parts to protect Protects the screen from impacts.
The folding screen has two parts, including a protective coating and a flexible screen panel. The substrate can be bent around the axis, while the coating is made from a layer of glass with a thin beveled part that forms a groove extending along the bend axis. Other parts of the coating are made thicker to ensure impact resistance.
According to Revegnus1, who often provides accurate information about Apple products, the company may announce a folding iPhone in 2026 with a 6-inch external screen and an 8-inch internal screen. Previously, it was likely that the 20-inch folding iPad would launch in 2025.
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 folding screens first. When folded, the product is equivalent to a 15- and 14-inch laptop. Mr. Kuo estimates that more than one million devices of this type could be shipped by 2026. The price of the folding screen panel alone is 650 USD, and the hinge is 250 USD. LG Display is the exclusive partner in developing the panel, while Amphenol is responsible for the hinge.