Apple patents are growing more interesting each year with some which appear to be taken out of a science fiction book. They might not be absurd to imagine working, but the Cupertino giant can make it happen someday.
Would you believe that the future foldable iPhones can heal themselves with their "self-healing" screen layer? This can be compared to Deadpool's regenerative ability since he quickly heals when he is shot or stabbed.
The new Apple patent suggests that this feature is coming to foldable devices. If it comes to life, this would be the company's way to compete with Google and Samsung when it comes to foldable handsets.
Apple's Vision for a Self-Healing Foldable iPhone
(Photo : Laura Rivera from Unsplash)
No one can imagine a foldable iPhone will heal itself when its screen has dents. This sci-fi-ish possibility can come to life with Apple's latest patent.
Apple's new patent, titled Electronic Devices with Flexible Display Cover Layers, outlines their plans for a foldable device equipped with a hinge and a flexible display cover layer.
Unlike traditional smartphones, these flexible screens, similar to those on the Samsung Galaxy Flip, Fold 5, Pixel Fold, and OnePlus Open, are more susceptible to damage. However, Apple's unique approach involves a "self-healing material" that can repair itself without external intervention.
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How the Self-Healing Technology Works
The self-healing process may involve different methods. Apple's patent suggests that the device could use heat, light, or electrical currents to stimulate the healing process.
For instance, transparent conductors could heat the display cover layer while the device is charging or when the user activates the feature, per Gizmodo. This innovative approach ensures that minor dents and scratches on the screen can be repaired automatically, maintaining the device's pristine condition.
Potential Applications Beyond Phones
Interestingly, Apple's patent indicates that this self-healing technology might not be limited to foldable iPhones. It could also be applied to laptops and tablets, broadening the scope of devices that benefit from this advanced feature. This flexibility in application shows Apple's commitment to enhancing durability across its product line.
Apple has explored self-healing technology before, though not specifically for foldable displays. The recent patent is part of a broader trend of Apple's interest in foldable devices.
Last year, a design for a foldable iPhone with a waterfall display was discovered, and there have been rumors about Apple working on both clamshell foldable phones and foldable iPads.
The Future of Self-Healing Devices
While patents don't always result in immediate product releases, they offer insight into a company's future plans. Apple's focus on self-healing technology suggests a significant interest in making foldable devices more durable and user-friendly.
The self-healing layer, described as a polymer or other material with self-healing properties, might cover the entire exterior surface of the display cover, ensuring comprehensive protection, according to Patently Apple.
By potentially incorporating self-repairing materials, Apple aims to enhance the durability and longevity of its foldable devices, setting them apart from current market offerings.
While it remains uncertain when or if this technology will appear in a consumer product, it's clear that the iPhone maker is seriously considering innovative solutions to improve user experience and device resilience.
Previously, Tech Times reported other Apple patents for iPhones including a new cooling system and the ability to be used underwater.
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