It was back in 2019 when Samsung launched its first folding. Since then, the Koreans have not only not stopped releasing new versions, but have done so in two different formats. Along the way, other brands have joined. See Xiaomi, OPPO or Huawei as an example. Who is not yet on that list is Apple. Officially, there is no trace of a foldable iPhone. Despite the fact that we have attended a thousand and one rumors and concepts.
The strategy that Apple wants to carry out in this area is somewhat confusing, since we have also seen ideas for a folding MacBook and even hints of a folding iPad mini by 2024. However, it is curious to see that Apple has not stopped patenting iPhone models with a ‘foldable’ format. And the last example is very recent, describing a hinge system that, if achieved, will be a revolution against possible accidents.
If the iPhone is dropped, the iPhone takes action and closes so as not to break the screen
We will agree that, no matter how resistant its materials are, a fall to the ground is never something that first sounds pleasant to the owner of an iPhone. Or any other mobile, well, since here they all come together. Well, the latest Apple patent aims to solve that in a hypothetical folding iPhone.
Some of the images in which Apple describes its system in the patent
If a normal screen tends to be sensitive, that of a folding screen that can imply a greater catastrophe. And with the publication date of March 16 of this year (in other words, it does nothing), the company presents a complex technical system that is summarized in having a motorized hinge system with added sensors that allows the screen to close when it detects a fall. In fact, it would manage to protect the screen even without being fully closed, since the descriptions indicate that it could work with a partial closure.
and this technology It would also be applicable to iPhone with a roll-up screen and iPad, so this patent does not deny those indications that exist about a tablet of this style for the coming years. And regarding the sensor that would detect the fall, it could be a accelerometer. After all, this would be the least of the problems if we take into account that this type of sensor has already been used in devices such as the Apple Watch to detect falls for years and that the iPhone 14 itself now detects accidents.
Now, as always when we see patents it should be clarified that there is no reason for an immediate launch of the device. In fact, we might not see anything. After all, companies of the caliber of Apple file dozens of patents every week in order to safeguard their future developments and projects. Of all those documents, only a few end up coming true.
What makes it clear that patents exist is that Apple is thinking about it. And that this is not the first patent on a foldable iPhone, and probably not the last, gives hope to those Apple users who now look askance at Samsung, OPPO and company.
More information | United States Patent and Trademark Office
Cover Image | Álvaro García M. with Midjourney
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