Rumors of a foldable iPad from Apple have seen their share of twists and turns. The latest reports suggest the project might even be on hold indefinitely. However, it seems Cupertino hasn’t given up on pushing the boundaries of display technology. A newly resurfaced patent application reveals that Apple’s pursuit of a rollable device, potentially an iPad, is very much alive and well in their research labs.
For a while, tech enthusiasts were buzzing about the prospect of a foldable iPad. This device could offer the screen real estate of a tablet in a more portable form factor. However, recent whispers in the industry indicated that Apple might have delayed or even put a temporary halt on its foldable tablet plans. Although there is no official confirmation, the report mentioned factors related to technological challenges or doubtful profitability.
Apple’s rollable iPad patent
Despite any potential slowdowns on the foldable front, this latest patent shows Apple is still experimenting with different screen concepts. The document details a device with a flexible display that can be rolled or unrolled from a housing. This form factor allows for a much larger screen when needed. Then, when you need portability, you can retract it into a compact design. Unlike foldable screens that bend on a hinge, a rollable display theoretically avoids the crease issues that have plagued some early foldable devices.
The description of the patent also mentions potential use cases. ‘The housing may have a single body…eg when [the] device is a cellular telephone, tablet computer, wristwatch device etc… Or may have multiple body portions that are coupled by one or more hinges (e.g., in a laptop computer, a bifold or trifold device, or other device with foldable portions,’ it reads.
Apple filed the patent some time ago, but it is just resurfacing. The filing describes intricate mechanisms for rolling and unrolling the screen without damaging it. This highlights Apple’s deep dive into the engineering complexities required for such a groundbreaking product. It suggests that even if a foldable iPad isn’t around the corner, the company is actively exploring how to deliver expansive screens in portable packages.
It’s notable that a patent filing doesn’t guarantee a product will ever see the light of day. However, it certainly confirms Apple’s continued investment in cutting-edge display technologies. The discovery leaves the door open that the future of iPad could eventually involve screens that literally unfurl from their compact shells. Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone project seems to be on the right track.
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Source: ndroidheadlines.com