Goodbye to the foldable iPhone? Apple has patented an iPhone with a scrollable screen

Apple continues to work on replacement screens for the iPhone!

Those who were hoping to see an iPhone with a foldable screen can say goodbye to these expectations. If Apple decides to change the design of the iPhone, in any case it will do it with a scrollable screen, at least it confirms the registration of a new patent. In addition, it can be extended to the screen of an iPad, Mac or a television.

According to a document filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, an iPhone, iPad, computer monitor electronic device may include an enclosure with an expandable display attached to the enclosure. Case and screen can operate in extended and retracted positions.

Apple hasn’t ruled out a rollable iPhone

The patent explores a mechanism that allows the screen to be held in extended and retracted positions. As the device moves from one position to another, the retractable part of the screen and frame can retract to a retracted position on the axis.

Frame may be A solid part that is primarily solid metal It supports the exposed part of the screen and A flexible part made from parallel strips of metal Supports retractable part of the screen.

Document shared by Obviously AppleHe also points out A sliding mechanism may have rack and gear mechanisms As shown in the following images, a common drive shaft is attached to ensure that the top and bottom edges of the screen move smoothly during expansion and retraction.

Patent with rack and gear mechanism of roll-up screen

Each rack and gear mechanism includes upper and lower racks and upper and lower gears Ensure that the top and bottom of the casing do not move away from each other during expansion and retraction.

Over the years, Apple has filed several patents dedicated to foldable devices, but the company has been tight-lipped about the implementation of these plans. But in recent years, roll-up screens have gained prominence in their documentation.

Unlike folding mobiles with hinges that allow opening and closing from both sides, Rollable phones consist of two structures inside the phone that fold around a roller that can move away from each other.

In 2021, Apple filed a document titled “Electronic Devices with Expandable Sliding Displays.” In July 2023, the company published a patent application related to the potential use of a scrollable/sliding screen in a device.