Samsung has had the foldable smartphone market under its belt for the past two years. There are competitors from Huawei and Motorola, but the former is quite limited in availability, and the latter is insufficient in technical characteristics. The situation is changing now that more manufacturers are joining this segment. Back last month, Xiaomi presented its Mi Mix Fold as the first attempt in this niche. In the coming months, we expect Oppo and even Google to launch their sophisticated contenders. Since Apple is one of the most relevant companies in the smartphone segment, it is natural to expect a sophisticated smartphone from them. However, the foldable iPhone could still take a year or two to hit the shelves. Meanwhile, the company is playing with concepts through patents.
Apple received a decision from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to use a new sophisticated smartphone design. According to a schematic report from Patently Apple, the latest concept shows a supposed foldable iPhone that folds outwards. This contrasts with the design of current foldable phones such as the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Moto Razr 5G. Both devices have an internal complex structure. Apple's solution is close to the complex design of the Huawei Mate X, with some obvious differences.
Apple's foldable iPhone will bring an improved design that folds outward with Touch ID under the glass
One of the advances represented by this patent is Apple's attempt to keep both the top and bottom folding screens the same length. As a result, it won't need a chamfered part to disrupt the flow of the design. The outwardly unfolded design of the foldable iPhone appears to aim to unfold even the hinged area as functional. According to this patent, the side wall that is formed by assembling the device will include glass or other transparent material that can fit all parameters. The material has better parameters, viewing quality, precision of touch and durability.
Under the glass panels, Apple aims to use a touch sensor to implement various functions. This may include touch-sensitive volume control and interface navigation. The new device may even bring back Touch ID with a built-in scanner. We note one thing that the patent states that the sidewalls can be both flat and curved. Obviously, Apple will decide over time which one will be the most durable. One part of the folding iPhone display appears to be full-screen, while the other part appears to be equipped with a speaker for calls.
The patent even has ports for connection on one of the two folds. This lends further credence to the potential of this patent to become a commercially available product. It may be too "advanced" compared to modern folding devices. However, Apple is clearly very careful with its foldable iPhone. This explains why the company is taking too long to release a product of this class. She wants to provide a viable and long-lasting product.
