Yesterday, Samsung officially unveiled what it calls the Galaxy Fold. That handset is the company’s first foldable smartphone.

And while Samsung is not the first company to show off a foldable phone, it certainly will not be the last. Other companies, including Huawei, are working on their own ideas. And rumor has it that even Apple is considering going down that design path as well. Now, thanks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), we have an even clearer indication of that potential future.

As noted today by The Verge, Apple submitted a patent application for a foldable device back in October of last year. It was only published last week. This particular patent app includes ideas for display hinges that can be folded either in half or thirds. The display would be multifunctional, able to be used in smartphones, tablets, and computers. Mobile accessories and smartwatches are also hinted at being able to support this display.

As described by Apple: “It would be desirable to be able to use flexible display technology to provide improved electronic devices”.

This is not the first time that a patent application has pointed to a future foldable iPhone. Another one cropped up back in November of 2017. And previous rumors have suggested Apple plans on launching a foldable iPhone as early as 2020. Of course, as is par for the course, this patent application doesn’t actually confirm anything just yet.

Still, good to know that Apple is at least considering another design for the iPhone. Now we just have to hope it doesn’t cost nearly $2,000 like the Galaxy Fold.

[via The Verge; USPTO]

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