According to patents, Apple may be developing a clamshell foldable device featuring an intriguing hinge design.
The release of Apple’s foldable iPhone could still be several years in the future.
In comparison to other smartphone brands, Apple appears to be lagging behind in the foldable device market. While competitors have already introduced foldable models, Apple has yet to unveil its first folding display device. Recent rumors suggest that Apple is exploring larger foldable devices, including a 20-inch foldable MacBook laptop. Additionally, reports indicate that the release of Apple’s foldable iPhone has been delayed to 2027, with some suggesting that the company’s Vision Pro staff are now focusing on the development of foldable devices. An older patent recently published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) further suggests that Apple is indeed working on clamshell foldable designs.
The patent (US 20240147644 A1) was filed in October of last year and was recently published by the USPTO on May 2, 2024. According to a report by Patently Apple, which was the first to unveil these details, Apple has introduced a highly intriguing hinge design, likely intended for a smaller or more compact foldable device. In Apple’s context, this could potentially be a Plus or Max-sized iPhone, or even an iPad Mini. It’s worth noting that Apple describes the device in question as potentially serving as a cellular phone, a computer, or a portable electronic device.
Every existing foldable device relies on a sturdy hinge mechanism and a foldable display for functionality. Apple’s designs seem to align with what most smartphone manufacturers have achieved with their foldable devices. This includes two halves of the chassis connected by synchronized gear plates with interlocking teeth to facilitate the opening and closing mechanism and safeguard the internal foldable display. Based on the diagrams, Apple’s foldable device appears to utilize interconnected links, similar to the metal links of a watch bracelet, to hold the device together and restrict rotation. The mechanism within these interconnected links appears to be more intricate compared to what most manufacturers currently employ.
A brief inspection also reveals that Apple’s hinge design, due to its complexity, appears to be considerably thicker than those found on most existing foldable smartphones. Considering its thickness depicted in the patent diagrams, it may be more suited for a foldable iPad rather than an iPhone, aligning with previous speculations about Apple focusing on a foldable iPad rather than a foldable iPhone.
Developing a hinge for a larger tablet or even a laptop would potentially lessen Apple’s obstacles compared to designing one for an iPhone, as most tablets and computers do not necessitate stringent IP ratings. Some manufacturers have only encountered partial challenges with IP ratings thus far. For instance, Samsung’s currently available Galaxy Z Fold 5 (Review) offers an IPX8 rating, providing minimal protection against dust and debris, whereas its regular smartphones feature a full IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
