Yahoo News Apple working on foldable iPhone with ‘self-healing’ screen, patent reveals
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone with a “self-healing” screen to fix scratches and dents, according to reports.
The tech giant has filed a patent for the device which would have a screen that runs right across the actual fold in the phone.
And according to the filing Apple says that the phone would actually heal any damage automatically.
Observers say that the “self-healing” capability would fix one of the biggest issues seen with current foldable phones, which can be damaged when debris gets trapped as it is closes.
The Apple patent was actually filed earlier this year but only just made public by the US Patent and Trademark Office, according to the tech website 9to5mac.com.
“During operation of an electronic device, the display cover layer for the electronic device may be scratched or dented,” the patent states.
“To improve the aesthetics of the electronic device, it may be desirable for the presence of scratches and dents to be minimised.
“To help mitigate the number of dents, scratches, or other imperfections in a display cover layer, the display cover layer may include a layer of self-healing material.
“The layer of self-healing material may be formed across the entire display cover layer or may be formed only in the flexible region of the display cover layer.”
No timeframe is given in the patent application for any device to made available to consumers.
Samsung was hit with a series of screen issues when it released its $2000 Galaxy Fold in 2019 and delayed its release after poor initial reviews.
Apple’s patent suggest the healing of its screen will be done through the use of heat, light or electric current.
“The display cover layer may include a layer of elastomer in the flexible region of the display cover layer for increased flexibility,” the patent continues.
“The layer of self-healing material may cover the layer of elastomer in the flexible region.
“Self-healing may occur in the layer of self-healing material without prompting (eg when the self-healing coating is dented, the material of the coating may fill the dent even without external intervention).
“Alternatively, the self-healing may be initiated or expedited by externally applied heat, light, electric current, or other type of external stimulus.”
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