Apple may be working on tri-fold iPhone; patent suggested

Apple has long been rumored to be developing a foldable iPhone. Multiple patent applications filed by the company point in this direction, although a possible launch date remains unspecified. However, a new move from the Cupertino-based tech giant highlights that a foldable iPhone design may be closer than expected. The company has updated an old patent to mention several new complications in the design and technical application of foldable smartphones.

Apple patent describes triple-folding iPhone

The patent application has been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) under application number 20240310942 and is titled “Electronic device having a display and touch sensor structure.” Initially, it emphasized the touch sensor structure placed inside the display, but now the tech giant has made some changes to expand the scope of applications.

Apple patent shows off three foldable displays for smartphones
Image source: Patently Apple

First spotted by Patently Apple, one of the biggest inclusions is the addition of an “external display” alongside a larger internal display panel. In addition, the outer display panel is accompanied by another display panel sandwiched between the original layer and the outer layer. According to the specifications, the new structure highlights a tri-fold design or a tri-fold iPhone.

According to the newly added illustration, the device resembles the Huawei Mate XT, with the center layer remaining hidden in the folded state and only visible from the top and bottom. On the other hand, the top or outer display remains visible in the folded and unfolded states, unlike today’s typical foldable smartphones.

In addition, the patent application mentions in another new claim that the technology will add touch sensor structures to each display “wall”, and each display will independently collect and process touch input. This mention, while typical of foldable smartphones, also highlights the possibility that a new hinge design could allow users to use the middle display independently in the future.

It’s worth noting that this is just a patent application, and even if the new content is approved, it doesn’t prove that the tech giant plans to launch a tri-fold iPhone in the near future.

Separately, a report last month claimed that Apple may launch a clamshell foldable phone in the iPhone 18 series. According to reports, the device will be a hybrid of iPad and MacBook and feature a large 18.8-inch display in the unfolded state.