- Apple's latest patent hints at a potential entry into the foldable phone market, challenging Samsung and Motorola's early lead.
- The patent unveils a versatile hinge design capable of both inward and outward folding, potentially shaping the future of mainstream foldable devices
- Despite uncertainties, Apple's cautious approach underscores its commitment to delivering user-friendly foldable solutions, promising a significant development in the tech landscape.
The latest speculation indicates that Apple could be aiming to have a bite of the foldable phone market with a new patent filing. Samsung and Motorola being the first to flirt with foldable phones, Apple remains on the bench. On the other hand, this patent suggests that the process might be more rapid than it was presumed.
A New Foldable iPhone Patent Unveils Potential for a Folding Design
As Patently Apple discovered, this hinge design is meant exclusively for use in foldable devices. The amazing feature of this hinge is its versatility – it looks ready to facilitate both inward and outward folding, a feature that could be the first for mainstream foldable devices.
The patent keeps a shadowy side as to its scope of application. However, it might be used for phones, tablets, laptops, and something completely different, but for now, it seems like a clamshell design for a foldable iPhone.
Another option is an iPad/laptop or two-in-one because of the grey areas between this tablet and laptop in terms of strength and price. If Apple enters the foldable market, it’ll no doubt invite a note of skepticism. Instead of the initial Android foldable that targeted only the tech elite, an Apple foldable will be a mainstream product that will attract lots of attention, again raising the stakes.
Apple’s long-time reputation for developing user-friendly devices is a high benchmark. Foldable necessarily gives complexity, which is why the UI (user interface) needs to be errorless, especially for novices. This is the possible reason for Apple to be conservative.
On the one hand, patents are hints of where the company seems to be headed while on the other hand, they don’t guarantee products hitting the market. Apple files every year several patents, only a tiny percentage of which ends up being put into manufacturing.
Nevertheless, even if Apple chooses to break into the market of foldable models, it will certainly establish a fresh standard among rivals, eventually satisfying customers by providing them with the best foldable solutions.
Viable or Not, Will the Folding iPhone be an Option?
The verdict remains elusive. The culmination of whether Apple’s foldable endeavors come to fruition is only a matter of time. And that brings us to the conclusion – Apple’s entry into this niche will undoubtedly be a key point in the foldable phones development worth following closely.
