Apple may be working on a triple-folding iPhone; patent suggests
Apple has long been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, with multiple patent applications filed by the company pointing in that direction, though a potential launch date has yet to be confirmed. However, a new move from the Cupertino-based tech giant highlights that a foldable iPhone design may be closer than expected. The company has updated an older patent to reveal several new details about the design and application of the technology for a foldable smartphone.
Apple patent describes a three-fold iPhone
The patent application was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) under application number 20240310942 and titled “Electronic Devices With Display And Touch Sensor Structures”. Originally, the focus was on touch sensor structures placed in a display, but now the tech giant has made several changes to broaden the scope of the filing.
Apple patent shows smartphone’s three foldable displays
Photo Credit: Patently Apple
First spotted by Patently Apple, one of the biggest additions is the addition of an “outer display” next to the larger internal display panel. Furthermore, the outer display panel is also accompanied by another display panel sandwiched between the original and outer layers. According to the specification, the new structure highlights a tri-fold design or a tri-fold iPhone.
Based on the new illustrations that have been added, the device appears to be similar to the Huawei Mate XT, with the central layer remaining hidden in the folded state and only visible from the top and bottom. The top or outer display, on the other hand, remains visible in both the folded and unfolded states, unlike typical foldable smartphones available today.
Furthermore, in another new claim, the patent application notes that the technology will add touch sensor structures to each of the display “walls,” and that each of the displays will independently collect and process touch input. This listing, while typical for foldable smartphones, also highlights that a new hinge design could allow users to use the center display independently in the future.
It is interesting to note that this is only a patent application. Even if the new additions are approved, this is still no proof that the tech giant is planning to release a triple iPhone in the near future.
Separately, a report last month claimed that Apple would potentially launch a clamshell-style foldable device with the iPhone 18 series. This device would reportedly be a hybrid of the iPad and MacBook, and feature a massive 18.8-inch display when unfolded.
