Apple Exploring Convex-Shaped Devices With Flexible Displays

Apple is exploring the use of flexible displays to make convex devices, according to a new Apple patent filing published today.

iphone convex display feature 2

MacRumors concept

The application titled "Electronic devices with convex displays," was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and builds a picture of how an Apple convex-shaped device may work. Apple devices such as iPhone 11 and ‌iPhone‌ 11 Pro have curved edges, and the patent explains that such "conventional arrangements" where "only the proportions of the device other than the display have a convex shape... may limit the internal volume of the device and detract from its appearance."

The convex device envisioned in the patent would have a front face and a rear face, with the display stretching seamlessly from one side to the other. The two remaining exposed edges would allow access to the inner housing. The filing explains that the main advantage of a convex device would be maximizing the internal volume, making more space available for the battery, for example.

convex device

Crucially, a convex device is facilitated by use of a flexible display unit. Unlike other uses of flexible displays, such as for foldable devices, the patent suggests mounting a flexible display to a rigid body. The display would therefore permanently conform to the curved shape of the body. This would make flexible displays, which are otherwise known for their lack of durability, considerably more hardwearing. In addition to a flexible display, the patent refers to other flexible layers built around the body.

Another area of interest for Apple is the capability for a convex device to potentially be more aesthetically pleasing. The patent explains that since users "may find a thinner device more desirable than a thicker device," a "convex housing shape may increase the internal volume of a device while preserving a sleek, thin look that is aesthetically pleasing."

Though devices with flexible displays have come to market as foldable smartphones, there has not been a commercial convex device of this kind before. Apple has been granted patents in the past for flexible OLED displays, foldable devices, and devices made from a single sheet of glass, and the area is a clear interest for the company.

Tag: Patent

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Sunday March 23, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025: Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
macbook pro blue green

When Will Apple Release the M5 MacBook Pro?

Wednesday March 26, 2025 4:53 pm PDT by
Apple regularly refreshes the MacBook Pro models, and a new version that uses M5 series chips is in the works. Apple just finished refreshing most of the Mac lineup with M4 chips, and now it's time for the M5. Rumors suggest that we could see the first M5 MacBook Pro models this fall. Design There have been no rumors of a design update for the M5 MacBook Pro models that are coming this...
iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Expected Next Week - Here Are the Release Notes

Friday March 28, 2025 2:01 pm PDT by
With the second release candidate of iOS 18.4 that Apple seeded out today, the company finally provided us with release notes that give a full rundown on what to expect. There's an Apple Vision Pro app, new Apple Intelligence features for notifications and additional language support, plus an Apple News Food feature for Apple News+ subscribers, and several updates that should improve the...
Facebook Feature

Facebook's New iPhone App Feature Turns the Clock Back to 2007

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:59 pm PDT by
In the mid-to-late 2000s, Facebook was all about staying connected with friends and family. However, as the social media platform added new features and grew over time, that core experience began to get drowned out. That changes starting now, according to Meta, which today introduced a new feature that will "bring back the joy" of classic Facebook. Specifically, Meta has redesigned the...
Magic Mouse Green

What to Expect From the Magic Mouse 3

Saturday March 29, 2025 10:15 am PDT by
Apple is reportedly working on a new Magic Mouse. Below, we recap what to expect. The two key rumors for the Magic Mouse 3 so far include a relocated charging port, along with a more ergonomic design. It was briefly rumored that the Magic Mouse 3 would also feature voice control, but that was misinterpreted information. Relocated Charging Port While the Magic Mouse switched from...
iOS 18 4 Ambient Music Control Center

How to Use iOS 18.4's New Ambient Music Feature in Control Center

Thursday March 27, 2025 7:45 am PDT by
The upcoming iOS 18.4 update for the iPhone adds an Ambient Music feature to Control Center. Below, we take a closer look at how it works. iOS 18.4 is currently in beta, so the Ambient Music feature is not widely available yet. The update will likely be released to the general public next week. To use the feature on iOS 18.4, open Control Center and tap on the plus sign in the top-left...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1

'iPhone Fold' to Feature Metallic Glass Hinge That Resists Deformation

Thursday March 27, 2025 4:21 am PDT by
Last week, we covered a report claiming that Apple's book-style foldable iPhone (or "iPhone Fold," as we are provisionally calling it here) will use liquid metal hinges to improve durability and help minimize screen creasing. Today, a Chinese leaker provided more details on the properties of this hinge material that help to clarify why Apple chose it for its first foldable device. According...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Homescreen

Six Things to Know About Apple's Upcoming Foldable iPhone

Friday March 28, 2025 3:54 pm PDT by
We've been hearing rumors about a foldable iPhone for almost a decade now, but it looks like we might finally see the device come to fruition in 2026. We're going to be waiting many more months for the foldable iPhone, but so far we're hearing good things. Apple wants to make it creaseless. It's taken Apple multiple years to design a foldable iPhone that it's satisfied with because Apple ...
Apple Lumon Terminal Pro

Apple's Mac Site Features Fictional 'Lumon Terminal Pro'

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:19 pm PDT by
Apple is going all out with promotions for the popular Severance Apple TV+ show today, and as of right now, you'll find a new "Lumon Terminal Pro" listed on Apple's Mac site. The Lumon Terminal Pro is designed to look similar to the machines that Severance employees like Mark S. and Helly R. use for macrodata refinement. The Terminal features a blue keyboard, a small display with wide...

Top Rated Comments

Kobayagi Avatar
61 months ago
So these with bigger screens. :)



Attachment Image
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
61 months ago
Meh, wake me up when they patent a concave display.



Attachment Image
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macman01101 Avatar
61 months ago
So..glasses
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SirChristopher Avatar
61 months ago
They've explored this form factor before...

Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Longeggborough Avatar
61 months ago
New AppleTV remote...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sharewaredemon Avatar
61 months ago
I find this interesting, but I also imagine a bar of soap and laugh.

I think the question is: Would a form factor like this be more, or less drop prone?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)