Last updated: January 23, 2023, 8:23 PM IST
Foldable iPad could get this new patent
Apple continues to explore the foldable space with next-gen display technology and this patent could be part of its product strategy.
Apple has patented an exciting technology that could be part of the rumored foldable iPad Pro model for years to come. The company now has rights to the patent that allows the company to offer a shatter-resistant foldable display on its device.
Foldable display technology is still in its infancy, with few brands having out-of-the-box products for consumers, but the industry is eager to see Apple’s entry into the segment, with iPad or iPhone models for the market. Having extra layers of durability can help consumers gain confidence in the product, especially if they are going to spend a lot on the product.
The patent for this durable foldable display was granted last week by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and interestingly enough, the listing suggests that Apple can use this patent for its foldable curved and flexible display panels.
That said, patent filings are part of any company’s strategy to ensure its rivals can’t work on products using the technology. So we’re not even sure if Apple will actually use the registered patent for its future products.
According to the details of the patent, Apple has the right to build a crack-resistant screen thanks to its high tensile strength and hardness that ensures that the screen will resist cracking due to any damage. But it’s not just the durability part of this patent, Apple can also ensure that the panel is anti-glare in nature and also smudge resistant.
Reports suggest that Apple is working on a new “20-inch foldable” display that could be a hybrid of MacBook and iPad, which could incorporate some elements of this patent. The company is exploring the possibility that the device could launch in 2026, as stated by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young.
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