The latest patent application document released by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday shows that Apple applied for a document called "Electronic Device with Screen". Although the name is simple, the document shows that Apple intends to develop a hardware that can be folded in half in the future to make it more portable and easy to put in your pocket.
Specifically, in the patent document, Apple describes a device with a foldable "flexible part". The document points out that a "flexible display screen" is needed to make such a device without seams or visible hinges.
This patent document deserves special attention, because just yesterday, Korean media reported that Apple is secretly cooperating with LG Display to develop a foldable OLED version of iPhone, which may be launched in 2020.
For the upcoming iPhone X, Samsung Display is said to be the exclusive screen supplier of organic light-emitting diodes, mainly due to quality considerations. However, as Apple seeks to achieve the next major breakthrough in iPhone design, the company may choose to cooperate with LG Display to prevent rival Samsung Electronics from knowing its future product plans in advance.