Apple Files Patent for Watch With Foldable Screens and Cameras

Apple has submitted a patent proposal to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a foldable, wearable electronic device equipped with two adjustable screens and cameras. The proposed design includes a potential Apple Watch model that can be folded for portability, while also expanding when more screen area is needed.

The diagrams submitted as part of the document offer multiple concepts for functioning of the movable screen design. One drawing depicts a hinge system, while another highlights a single screen extending from a main display, and a third illustrates two adjustable screens working together.

The company shared that the adjustable screens would provide greater versatility to its watch: a larger screen could be advantageous for those using it for phone/video calls, gaming, or web browsing on their wrist, whereas the compact version is more suitable “for regular tasks, outdoor activities, and so forth.

In other areas, further illustrations show a flexible display setup incorporating two cameras. This setup enables users to capture images or engage in video calls using their wrist, similar to taking photos or making FaceTime calls. Importantly, the patent mentions that the device will incorporate sensors, lights, and cameras.

There’s uncertainty about whether Apple’s idea for a foldable watch will actually be launched. The company regularly files numerous patents each year, and many of these ideas don’t ultimately see the light of day. As Apple Magazine suggests, if the rumored foldable iPhone, slated for release in 2026, takes precedence, it could mean that the development of the foldable watch design might be delayed or even shelved.

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