Yesterday, we reported that Apple may be working diligently on a MacBook with a 20-inch foldable screen. So far, three industry analysts have quoted that a foldable iPhone or iPad wasn't on Apple's radar. However, that just changed with the latest development.
According to AlphaBiz, Apple had submitted a patent application for a display of foldable iPhones and iPads. We also learn that the US Patent and Trademark Office just completed the patent application as well and the source even provided some schematics of the foldable display.
[Exclusive] Apple's Foldable Product Set for Release in 2026
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According to a senior Apple official quoted by AlphaBiz, "After careful consideration, Apple has confirmed the release of its foldable iPhone for the later-than-expected year of 2026," stating, "Given the delayed…
Granted, Apple is very late to the foldable phone trend but for a good reason. AlphaBiz was informed by a senior Apple official that "the foldable iPhone will be made thinner and lighter than its competitors," further adding, "In particular, the goal is to avoid the wrinkles that competitors are struggling with."
On top of that, the official also said the foldable iPhone is confirmed to launch in 2026. With that, we can expect Apple's foldable display to be "perfect" without any visible crease. In the patent images, there's an electronic device technology that minimizes wrinkles along the folding axis.
Sources say that the inner surface of the cover is filled with polymer material and the rough texture of the filler surface will be effective in reducing light reflection. For your information, polymers are made from flexible materials such as silicone and acrylates, which are expected to reduce light reflection significantly.
Apple is planning to adapt the new foldable display technology to other lineups such as the iPads, MacBooks and others. We still have a long way to go so until then, stay tuned for that.
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