Apple appears to still be considering a foldable phone, as indicated by this new hinge technology patent designed to keep the flexible display in perfect shape

The patent, granted this week by the US Patent and Trademark Office and unearthed by MacRumors, describes a new hinge mechanism that uses a movable flap to cover the hinge gap, ensuring that the flexible panel stays securely in place without creasing or folding Description When this Apple device is closed, the flap retracts and folds inward at the proper angle to conceal and prevent damage

The hinge design has always been a source of problems for early models of foldable phones and tablets Samsung's Galaxy Fold has a crease when unfolded and a large gap when folded; the Huawei Mate X also has a prominent crease when unfolded, as does the Royole Flexpai

So far, the only phone that has this working well is the Motorola Razr, but how it will work in the long run in the real world remains to be seen Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip also seems to have a redesigned hinge, which may help in this regard

Microsoft has avoided this problem entirely with its dual-display approach with the Microsoft Surface Duo and Surface Neo

Therefore, it makes sense to spend serious research time to properly develop a foldable phone - because Cook and his minions have a foldable ready Hinge design is critical to a good experience with these devices

This isn't Apple's first hinge patent; in March 2019, the company filed for a way to protect the folded portion in cold weather conditions

And before that, there was one on foldable technology in general: in March 2018, Apple patented a flexible battery that integrates with the display, with graphite padding to dissipate the heat generated when the two are combined

In October, the USPTO awarded one for a magnetic latch that keeps the phone closed without a physical mechanism This is very Apple-like and seems to add to the satisfying folding experience

Almost a year ago, on February 14, 2019, Apple was awarded another patent showing a regular iPhone that folds in half to make it more compact, like the Motorola Razr

Of course, Apple may trash all these patents, but given the interest generated by the Razr - which Motorola claims it cannot keep up with demand - and the money Samsung is putting into this category, it would be It would be a bit crazy to think that Cupertino will not release such a phone That is, if the technology is sufficiently advanced