Freya Hilton
A patent for a novel self-healing screen for a foldable iPhone model has been granted to Apple. The patent describes a number of techniques, including the use of heat, light, or electrical current, to repair the display’s surface, according to Patently Apple.
The patent states that these techniques might make use of “transparent conductors” that warm the display’s protective layer while the gadget is charging or at the user’s request. Not only can phones use this creative foldable design, but laptops and tablets can too.
Apple has already applied for patents for iPhones that can mend themselves, but those patents did not cover foldable screens.
Although the patent does not guarantee the technology will immediately appear in Apple products, it does indicate the company’s serious intentions in the field of foldable devices. Last year also saw news of a foldable iPhone design with a curved display, as well as developments for a foldable tablet.
The patent does not disclose details about the material used for the self-healing layer, other than to indicate “a polymer or any other material with self-healing properties.” This layer can cover the entire outer surface of the display, providing protection and durability.