Apple is a technology that, although many think otherwise, Yes, it is innovative, and constantly explores new technological solutions, although it is true that, as in the case of other technological ones, part of the tests that are carried out never materialize in specific solutions on the market. And this is something that, in most cases, we know thanks to the detailed observation of the patents that are being registered.
The reasons why a proprietary technology ends up being discarded can be many: a high cost of production, problems in its development, few market expectations… In other words, when we see that a company like Apple has decided to patent a technology, this is a sign that they are studying it, but never a guarantee that sooner or later we will see a product based on it reach the market.
Even so, it is always interesting, because it tells us what they might be working on and therefore what kind of rumors we should be most vigilant about in the future. And it is that thanks to this type of information, we have already known in the past, well in advance, about some of the company’s interests. For example, over the years, and right up to Apple Vision Pro, there have been some interesting leaks in the form of registered patents. And the same can be said about some technologies that have ended up reaching the iPhone.
Well, while we are still waiting to see if the foldable iPhone, another recurring rumor for years, comes true, today we can read in Mashable that Apple has filed a patent for a roll-up screen. This patent was registered in November of last year, but it has not been published until now, since the registry offices keep new requests in private mode for a few months.
The patent mentions the use of a layer of glass «thin locally» on the roller part, as well as a screen configured in such a way that the «compressive stress on the outward-facing glass surface can help prevent damage to the screen when bent«. And, of course, managing to combine the ability to roll up with making the screen resistant seems to be a great challenge for the in-house engineers. And even more if we talk about devices like a smartphone, type of device specifically mentioned in the patent.
we have already heard about some similar projects in the past, both by the now extinct LG mobile division, and by OPPO, although in both cases we have not lived through the passage of its arrival in the consumer market. And, in case Apple does reach that milestone, what is clear is that it will not be in the short term, so the best thing will be to wait and sit.
