Leaked Document Suggests That A Foldable iPhone Is In The Works

A leaked document suggests that Apple is on the verge of creating an iPhone that folds in half.

While a patent application that appeared earlier in the year suggested that this could be the case, it now looks like the tech firm could be ready to move to the prototype stage, according to industry insiders.

So, the first thing you might notice is that it's not strictly a foldable phone. Unlike a lot of the other products out there that have been setting the strange trend, it's got two separate pieces that hinge together creating a seamless display when flat.

This follows on from other technology brands like Samsung and Huawei, who have also brought out next-generation foldable smartphones.

Industry analyst Jon Prosser - who has a bit of form for predicting what Apple is planning to do next with its phones - reckons that the iFold, which isn't the name, but is exactly what they should call it, is in development as we speak.

He tweeted: "Apple's 'foldable' iPhone isn't really a foldable.

"The current prototype has two separate display panels on a hinge.

"Round, stainless steel edges like current iPhone 11 design.

"No notch - tiny forehead on outer display that houses Face ID."

He added: "The memes are funny - but it doesn't look like they just stuck two phones together.

"Even though they're two separate panels, when the displays are extended, it looks fairly continuous and seamless."

This opinion would tally up with the patent application that Apple submitted back in March. The document submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office was called 'System with multiple electronic devices'.

That means that it's likely to be two devices that automatically detect one another when conjoined.

It reads: "Multiple electronic devices may be used together in a system.

"The electronic devices may use sensor measurements and other information to detect when an edge of a first electronic device is adjacent to an edge of a second electronic device."

It continues: "Magnetic components may hold devices together in a variety of orientations.

"The magnetic components may operate in cooperation with bevelled housing edges and other structures to help hold devices in planar configurations in which the devices lie in a common plane and non-planar configurations in which the devices are oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to each other."

Get all that? Well, it's pretty technical stuff.

Anyway, we'll have to wait for official confirmation, but a foldable iPhone would certainly catch the eye.

LADbible has approached Apple for comment.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Phones and Gadgets, World News, US News, Technology, Apple

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim