Skip to main content

Apple's latest patent suggests a rollable iPhone could be on the way

Apple engineers are looking into the feasibility of an iPhone with a rollable screen as well as a foldable iPhone, according to a newly published patent. The display technology could also find uses on iPads and desktop screens as well, the patent suggests.

As found by Patently Apple (via Tom's Guide), the patent describes "electronic devices with rollable displays" that "may be moved between an unrolled state in which the display is planar and a rolled state in which a rollable portion of the display is rolled up for storage".

The diagrams accompanying the patent are pretty much as you would expect: a screen that looks like an electronic version of a piece of parchment that's rolled up at both ends. The display extends when needed, and then shrinks when needed.

It's an interesting take on the form factor we've seen with devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: there again the idea is that you've got a tablet-sized screen at your disposal, but it can still fit in your pocket when folded. Rollable displays offer the same benefits, if device manufacturers are able to get the technology right.

Rollable iPhone patent from Apple

The patent's diagrams give you an idea of how a rollable display would work. (Image credit: USPTO / Apple)

Keep on rolling

This is by no means the first time Apple has registered a patent like this – earlier ones go all the way back to 2014 – but it does feel as though rollable screen technology is now much closer to actually appearing in a consumer device. While it's taken several years, foldable phones are now widely available, and rollables could be next.

And of course Apple isn't the only one investigating this type of display. Both LG and Samsung have demoed rollable screens for their products, though these screens are very much still at the prototype, tech expo demonstration stage.

At Mobile World Congress this year, Motorola showed off a rollable phone concept: the device's screen extended from 5 inches to 6.5 inches at the push of a button. It's a sign of what's to come, and it appears that Apple is planning to be involved.

Remember that as ever, patents only indicate what companies are exploring and testing – there's no guarantee that they'll ever turn into a finished product, as interesting as they are. Before any rollable iPhone we'll be getting the iPhone 15 in September.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Garmin's new radar-equipped tail light will keep you safe on your e-bike

Garmin's Varia bike radars are some of the most popular pieces of cycling tech around – and now the company has delivered its first rearview radar to have been specially designed for some of the best e-Bikes .   Garmin's Varia range mounts to the back of your bike and broadcasts a radar signal behind you, so you can get visual and audible alerts when something's overtaking you. Even better, the new Varia eRTL615 plugs directly into most e-bikes, with no battery required. Because the catchily-named Varia eRTL615 is also a tail light, it'll also make sure you're visible to other vehicles too, promising to emit a flashing or solid light that's visible from up to a mile away in daylight. To connect Garmin's new radar tail light to your e-bike, you'll need to pick the right Garmin adapter cable (which isn't included). You can buy power cables compatible with Bosch, Shimano, or USB-A terminals or connections, with more info on those available on Garmin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Revolution Software is using their own AI technology to remake Broken Sword

TechRadar Gaming is reporting live from Gamescom 2023 on the latest and greatest developments in gaming and hardware. Revolution Software announced at Gamescom 2023 that Broken Sword would be coming back, with Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars getting a full remake while a sixth title in the series is coming in the future too, under the title Broken Sword - Parzival’s Stone .  Speaking to TRG ahead of the announcement, Cecil talked about the studio’s plans for a Broken Sword remake and the sixth title in the series. Cecil is a larger-than-life character, who is able to talk about the studio’s plans with enthusiasm. It even carries a pocketful of stones to illustrate the plans for Parzival’s Stone , but he also talks about how Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars would be using AI to upscale.  Cecil wasn’t shy about the studio’s use of AI technology, but he gave a fairly robust explanation of why the game was using it. The AI technology will be used to upda...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hackers steal passwords, emails from hookup websites

Two gay hookup websites have been breached with sensitive and personal user data stolen and sold online, new reports have claimed. The databases, which are now being sold on dark web forums, were taken from platforms called TruckerSucker, and CityJerks. They contain enough personally identifiable information to engage in identity theft , such as usernames and passwords, email addresses, profile pictures, sexual preferences, birth dates, postal addresses, IP addresses, and bios. The passwords are encrypted, but according to TechCrunch, the algorithm is “weak” and could be broken by a more persistent hacker. The silent treatment HaveIBeenPwned founder Troy Hunt, who was tipped off on the leak, described the incident as a “typical forum breach, albeit with super sensitive content.”  However the content includes more than just identity data, as there are also messages users exchanged, including arranging meetings and describing their sexual preferences.  In total, more than...
Post a Comment
Read more