In a move that further fuels speculation about a foldable iPhone or iPad, the U.S. Patent Office has just published a divisional patent application from Apple—and it’s all about foldable displays supported by a flexible housing design.
But before we dive into what this might mean for the future of Apple devices, let’s quickly unpack what a divisional patent application actually is.
🧠 What’s a Divisional Patent, and Why Does It Matter?
In simple terms, a divisional patent application is a type of follow-up patent that’s spun off from a broader, original “parent” patent. This happens when the original filing includes more than one invention, and Apple decides to focus on just one of them—like in this case, where the foldable display design is being pursued independently, while the previous scrollable/rollable display concept has been removed.
Importantly, divisional applications retain the original filing date and priority, giving Apple a stronger patent position without losing time on the innovation timeline. It’s a clever way to secure IP rights for multiple related ideas without compromising legal protection.
🔍 So What’s in the New Patent?
The newly published patent zeroes in on an electronic device—likely an iPhone or iPad—that features a foldable display housed in a foldable body. Here are some of the key highlights from the filing:
Foldable Housing: The device is made up of two primary sections joined by hinge structures that allow the device to bend smoothly.
Flexible Display: Apple describes the use of an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display that stretches across both halves of the device and even over the hinge area.
Support Layer: A flexible sheet metal layer may be used underneath the screen to provide structural support without restricting movement.
Virtual Pivot Points: The design cleverly incorporates virtual hinge pivots that lie outside the hinge mechanism itself, minimizing stress on fragile display layers and ensuring durability.
Sliding Hinge Mechanism: In some configurations, a sliding hinge pin support plate allows the hinge to dynamically shift during folding, helping the screen wrap around the curve without wrinkling or breaking.
Apple even visualizes the device bending at various angles—including 90° (like a laptop) and 180° (folded shut like a book).
📸 A Peek into the Patent Figures
Though we can’t show the actual images here, Apple’s patent illustrations provide a variety of form factors, including:
A foldable iPhone/iPad with a center fold (FIG. 1)
Side and cross-sectional views showing how the hinge interacts with the flexible display (FIGs. 4, 8)
Multiple folding positions from 90° to 180° (FIGs. 22, 23)
Detailed hinge mechanics and link systems (FIGs. 36, 37)
Each figure reveals how much engineering is going into making sure the fold not only works—but also protects the screen and provides a premium feel.
🔮 What This Means for Apple’s Foldable Future
While this is still a patent filing—not an official product announcement—it’s clear that Apple is actively developing the foundation for a foldable iDevice. From flexible OLED panels to intricate hinge engineering, the company is laying the groundwork for a device that could challenge the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Google’s Pixel Fold.
Apple is known for waiting until a new form factor is just right before launching, and this patent suggests they’re getting close. With years of research and IP filings now focused on foldables, it’s only a matter of time before Cupertino reveals what could be the next evolution of the iPhone or iPad.
📣 Final Thoughts
This latest divisional patent is more than just legal paperwork—it’s a sign of how seriously Apple is taking foldable tech. And with every new filing, the dream of a foldable iPhone becomes a little more tangible.
Would you buy a foldable iPhone or iPad? Or are you still not sold on the bendy screen trend? Let’s chat in the comments 👇