Picture this: You drop your phone, and instead of groaning over its newly acquired dents, you witness a marvel. The screen begins to mend itself before your eyes, reminiscent of the regenerative powers of the X-Men’s Wolverine after a fierce battle. A recent patent from Apple unveils a less fantastical, yet equally intriguing innovation: a foldable iPhone equipped with a “self-healing” layer on its screen, capable of autonomously repairing dents and blemishes.
The patent for “Electronic Devices with Flexible Display Cover Layers” provides insights into Apple’s endeavor to set its potential foldable iPhone apart. Much like its counterparts, this device would feature a hinge and a flexible display cover layer. However, unlike traditional flagship phones, the displays on foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Flip, Fold 5, Pixel Fold, or OnePlus Open are thinner, allowing for flexibility but also rendering them more vulnerable to damage.
Apple proposes incorporating a “self-healing material” coating atop the screen, which could seamlessly fill in dents without requiring external intervention. Alternatively, the device could employ heat, light, or electrical currents to stimulate the healing process. Transparent conductors could be utilized to heat the display cover layer during charging or user activation. Moreover, the scope of this foldable design extends beyond just phones, potentially encompassing laptops or tablets.
While Apple has previously explored self-healing iPhone concepts, this marks the first instance within the context of a folding display. The patent’s discovery by keen-eyed observers at Patently Apple, alongside numerous other granted patents for the Cupertino-based company, hints at Apple’s earnest consideration of foldable technology. Previous reports have hinted at Apple’s exploration of various foldable designs, including clamshell and foldable iPad concepts.
Although the patent does not specify the exact material for the self-healing layer, it mentions “a polymer or any other desired material having self-healing properties.” This coating could potentially cover the entire exterior surface of the display, offering comprehensive protection.
LG’s demonstration of a self-healing back plate on its curved G Flex phone provides a glimpse into the possibilities of such technology. Analysts foresee advancements in “nanocoatings” that could fill in gaps upon exposure to air, potentially becoming a reality in the near future. While self-healing technology may not miraculously mend severe damage, it promises to mitigate the impact of minor scratches, particularly on sensitive screens like those found in foldable devices.
Ultimately, while we await the practical realization of such innovations, one can’t help but indulge in fantasies of futuristic devices akin to the whimsical adventures of Deadpool and Wolverine.
