Apples new patent hints at a foldable phone with three displays and a double-fold design

While Samsung and Huawei are grabbing the headlines when it comes to foldable smartphones, Apple has been granted another patent for its foldable phone and it seems that the company is working on a different concept altogether. Though the Cupertino-based giant may not launch a foldable device until 2020, it could prove to be a trendsetter when, and if, it comes. According to the latest patent, Apple is working on a foldable phone which can be folded in front-to-front as well as back-to-back configuration. “Electronic devices may be provided that contain multiple housing portions. The housing portions may be coupled together using hinges. Flexible displays may be mounted to the housing portions overlapping the hinges. The hinge may be configured to allow the flexible display to be placed in a front-to-front configuration in which an active side of the display faces itself or a back-to-back configuration. Engagement structures may be used to help the housing grip external objects and to hold the housing portions together. The hinges may be provided with rotational detents to help hold the flexible display in desired positions,” the patent reads. The patent also hints at a double bending feature on the smartphone and Apple may have to incorporate three displays for the feature. In the patent, Apple describes a foldable housing having a flexible portion “wherein the flexible portion flexes to allow the foldable housing to move between open and closed positions; and a foldable display mounted to the foldable housing, wherein the foldable display has first and second display portions separated by a third display portion, wherein the third display portion overlaps the flexible portion of the housing, wherein the first and second display portions face towards each other when the foldable housing is in the closed position, wherein the first and second display portions face away from each other when the foldable housing is in the open position, and wherein the flexible portion of the housing comprises fabric.” Recently, DJ Koh, CEO of Samsung's Mobile Division, said that Samsung’s foldable smartphone will be a tablet that users can fold and keep in their pockets. He also reiterated that the foldable phone will not be a “gimmick product”, and will be available globally. Samsung is not the only company that is developing a foldable smartphone. Apparently, Huawei and LG also have dedicated teams which are working to develop a phone with a foldable display. Huawei had filed a patent for a foldable phone at WIPO (World Intellectual property Organization). Last week, LG had confirmed that it is making a foldable smartphone and wants to create something which consumers actually want, and is not aiming to be the first company to launch the smartphone. Additionally, Xiaomi and Oppo are reportedly ready to test these waters. A report from South Korea-based ET News claimed that the two Chinese manufacturers are looking for display manufacturers to supply foldable displays and may rope-in one three companies -  BOE, Visionox and LG Display. Huawei is relying on BOE to supply them flexible panels. Image courtesy: Patently Apple

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