The development of the foldable iPhone appears to be continuing as a newly discovered patent application suggests that Apple is looking for a way to better protect the device from drops.
Available at United States Patent and Trademark Office website (opens in a new tab), the application is called Self-retractable display device and technologies to protect the screen with drop detection. Quite a mouthful, but it succinctly describes how Apple can aim to minimize screen damage. As described, there is some sort of sensor inside the device, such as an accelerometer. If it detects that the iPhone is dropped, the sensor signals an “electronically adjustable locking mechanism” that quickly snaps the phone shut.
The app hints that the mechanism may not close completely if the iPhone is too close to the ground, leaving it partially open. But that’s fine, because according to the patent, “even folding the screen below (less than) 180 degrees can (still) provide some protection.” At least the impact is on the sides and not directly on the screen.
Exploring new technology
Another aspect Apple is looking at in the app is the hinge. A foldable iPhone could consist of two separate screens that connect to each other when the device is open, instead of having a normal hinge in the middle. So when the phone is closed, the top screen detaches itself from the bottom, which is supposed to help with protection. It’s hard to say for sure because the document doesn’t describe exactly how things work. Instead, the app explains how things can work on the phone.
Much of the patent document talks about the features of the foldable iPhone. For example, the sensor behind the drop protector may consist of “accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses and/or other components” to detect movement. However, Apple does not directly refer to any specific technology. Most importantly for the company, internal mechanisms are able to detect when the rate of fall “exceeds a predetermined threshold” to automatically shut down. It remains to be seen if the device can actually register a fall fast enough to close completely.
Availability
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating on the Internet for about three years. During that time, other patents have been leaked and we have been able to see the device concept change in real time. One model “had two hinges for a hypothetical triple display,” allowing the phone to fold into a Z-shaped shape. Another prototype experimented with an electronic paper display. However, don’t hold your breath for the upcoming “iPhone Fold”. The The latest leaks point to a 2025 release so you have plenty of time to save up for probably very expensive smartphones.
If you want something now, check out TechRadar’s list the best flip phones of 2023.