The problem with foldable phones right now is that in order to get the display to bend and fold in such a manner, companies turn to the use of plastic-based screens. The obvious downside is that this is clearly less durable compared to glass, but the flexibility is what allows them to achieve a foldable design.However, Apple thinks that they might have the solution to such a problem and have filed a patent for what they claim would be a self-healing display. This means that whenever the display gets damaged through debris or dust, it will be able to heal itself, thus making the phone more durable in the long run.
According to the patent, “Self-healing may occur in the layer of self-healing material without prompting (e.g., when the self-healing coating is dented, the material of the coating may fill the dent even without external intervention). Alternatively, the self-healing may be initiated or expedited by externally applied heat, light, electric current, or other type of external stimulus.”
Basically, Apple is suggesting that the phone can emit heat that will help prompt its self-healing. We have heard rumors that Apple could be planning a foldable iPhone of their own, although whether or not it will actually materialize remains to be seen. So far, foldable efforts from companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have been met with lukewarm responses at best.
Filed in . Read more about iPhone, Patent and Social Hit. Source: 9to5mac