Will Apple’s Foldable Device Design Make an Impact on the Display Dielectric Materials Market?

In the ever-evolving electronics industry, innovation knows no bounds. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the advent of flexible and wearable devices. These revolutionary technologies have sparked a demand for materials that can withstand mechanical deformations while maintaining exceptional electrical performance. One such example is flexible dielectric materials—the backbone of next-generation display technology. In this blog, we will explore Apple’s Folding device patent and enter into the fascinating world of flexible dielectrics, making a major foothold in the display dielectric materials market.

The Emergence of Flexible Dielectrics

The demand for flexible and wearable electronics has fueled the search for dielectric materials that can bend, stretch, and fold without compromising functionality. Traditional rigid dielectrics fall short in this regard, leading researchers to explore alternative materials.

For instance, Apple's foldable device design.

Just before Google revealed their all-new Pixel Fold at their I/O developer conference keynote, the US Patent and Trademark Office formally granted Apple a patent, in May 2023, related to a folding iDevice with self-healing properties. The proposed invention describes a device with a flexible portion in the display cover layer that comprises an elastomer layer, which increases the device's flexibility. External stimuli such as light, heat, or electric current can activate the self-healing ability.

According to the patent, this upcoming Apple product might include a hinge that allows it to flex along a bent axis, with a display across the axis. The display cover layer is made up of a flexible component sandwiched between two hard pieces to prevent damage during bending.

Scratches or dents on the display cover layer might detract from the device's appearance. Apple recommends including a self-healing material in the display cover layer, either throughout or specifically in the flexible region, to address this. The self-healing process can proceed naturally, with the material filling in dents without the need for external intervention, or it can be started or expedited by the use of light, heat, electric current, or other stimuli.

Apple recommends using a transparent dielectric layer with slits in the display cover layer to increase flexibility. These slits can be filled with an index-matching substance, increasing the device's versatility even more.

Apple's patent illustrations contain a generic design that looks like a foldable iPhone, but the patent specifically indicates that the concept may be used to an iPad or even a MacBook. One figure shows a cross-sectional side view of a display with a display cover layer and a self-healing material layer, while another shows a top view of a transparent dielectric layer with slits.

This patent highlights Apple's ongoing research of novel technologies that improve device durability and user experience. While it's unclear when or if this concept will be released, it demonstrates Apple's dedication to pushing the limits of foldable device functionality and design.

Will the Display Dielectric Materials Market Progress with Apple’s Folding Device Patent?

Apple's foldable device design is likely to impose an impact on the advancement and demand for display dielectric materials. If Apple releases a foldable iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, it may mark a watershed moment in the industry. Apple's debut of a high-profile foldable tablet could spur customer acceptance and increase demand for cutting-edge display technologies.

As per a report by Research Dive, the global display dielectric materials market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.8%, garnering $113.1 billion by 2032. As demand for flexible displays increases, industry players are spending on R&D to boost the performance and commercial feasibility of flexible dielectric materials. Furthermore, collaborations between academia and industry are fostering advancements in flexible dielectric technology.

In a nutshell, Apple's foray into the foldable device market may increase market growth, boost industry collaboration, and establish new display technology standards.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.