Apple’s Upcoming Innovation: The Sliding Screen iPhone

Apple is reportedly exploring various new iPhone models, and among them is a rollable iPhone with a sliding screen, according to a report by Patently Apple. The company has been granted a patent for this technology, which was filed in November 2022 and recently published.

The patent describes an electronic device that can transition between an unrolled state, where the display is flat, and a rolled state, where a rollable portion of the display can be rolled up for storage.

One notable aspect highlighted in the patent is the use of a “locally thinned” layer of glass in the rollable section of the display. This design aims to mitigate damage by utilizing compressive stress in the outward-facing glass surface when the display is flexed.

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While the patent focuses on electronic devices with displays in general, it specifically mentions portable devices like smartphones, which suggests a potential rollable iPhone in the works.

Rollable displays have shown feasibility in the industry, with LG pioneering the technology in its rollable OLED TV and a prototype rollable phone that never made it to the market. Other companies like Motorola and Oppo have also showcased rollable phone concepts but have not released consumer-ready devices.

Apple typically exercises caution when incorporating new technologies into its widely available products. While the patent’s existence offers some hope for a future rollable iPhone or iPad, it is important not to expect such a development in the near term.

As always, it is advisable to temper expectations and wait for official announcements from Apple regarding any new product releases.