The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent application offering a peek at what Apple may be considering for an iPhone or other mobile device that would use a flexible display within a transparent body. The display would have the ability to wrap around the sides and rear of the device as needed.
![iphone_wraparound_display_1](http://www.mactrast.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/iphone_wraparound_display_1.jpg)
This paper describes various embodiments that relate to an apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for creating a portable electronic device with a wraparound display.
In one embodiment, a consumer electronic product is described. The consumer electronic product includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing.
![iphone_wraparound_display_3](http://www.mactrast.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/iphone_wraparound_display_3.jpg)
In the patent application, Apple lists numerous options for such devices, which include multiple form factors, the potential for a second inner display under a transparent outer display for providing a 3D like display. Apple also mentions the possibility of interchangeable end caps to fit specific situations, even allowing the joining of multiple device together to create a larger screen.
The patent application was filed in September 2011, and is credited to Apple product design engineer Scott Myers.