A new patent about a folding iPhone has surfaced, but is it a good idea?

While rivals like Samsung, Motorola, and others have embraced foldable phones, Apple remains a notable holdout. Despite waves of rumors and leaks suggesting a foldable iPhone is in development, nothing concrete has materialized. However, a recently published patent application discovered by Patently Apple gives us fresh insights into Apple’s explorations of folding devices. (h/t: PhoneArena)

Apple’s patent, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last October, describes a novel hinge design for folding display devices. The images used align with a flip-style clamshell foldable. However, Apple’s patent implies a greater range of motion. The hinge could potentially allow the device to fold both inwards and outwards, which could be a first for a mass-market product.