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.
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.
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.
