Apple obtains patent for crack-resistant foldable display technology: report

Apple was granted a patent last week for a multi-layer flip phone by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is believed that the Cupertino company will use the foldable display technology in future iPhone and iPad models. It would have received other patents related to foldable screens in the past. This latest patent reportedly mentions a unique cover layer for a foldable display, which could be used on future iPhone, iPad and Mac launches. This cover layer is also said to have antireflection properties.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the USPTO granted the patent with patent number US-20230011092-A1 to Apple. The patent would cover a layered structure for curved, flexible and foldable displays. The flexible screen is said to be protected by a cover layer. This layer would be composed of a transparent support substrate and a hardcoat layer.

The hardcoat layer is said to possess high tensile strength and hardness, which supposedly allows it to withstand more stress before failure compared to the transparent backing layer. Apple would have mentioned in the patent that the fractures in the screens are generally initiated by micro-cracks.

This hardcoat layer would be designed to fill these micro cracks before they could initiate a major crack in the screen. Apple’s patent would also mention that the hardcoat layer also has anti-reflective properties. It is said to be additionally coated with a stain resistant coating.

Apple had previously been granted a patent for a self-healing foldable display, according to an earlier report. This technology would be designed to help a foldable screen recover from scratches and dents. The report also mentions that self-healing should take effect in the affected region without external prompting.

It is believed that Apple will release a foldable iPad first before a foldable iPhone. However, the foldable iPad is expected to arrive in 2025.