Apple is working on a stronger display for its foldable device, with improved crack resistance

A newly published patent document shows that Apple is developing a protective layer to resist cracking of foldable displays, as well as improve scratch resistance and durability.

　　The application document from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, titled "Hybrid Cover Layer/Window Structure for Flexible Display Applications," outlines how curved, flexible or foldable display modules can use a protective hard coating to avoid cracking, and Apple appears to be seeking to remedy the display cracking problem that has plagued some Samsung devices.

　　The patent states that "typically, glass fracture initiates from the presence of microcracks." Apple's hard coating will fill pre-existing microcracks, therefore making it more difficult for serious cracks to develop.

　　The additional protective layer will be placed directly on top of the display. It will be "designed to have sufficiently high hardness and tensile strength to serve as an outer protective layer for electronic devices. . . ." As a result, the hard coating will be durable enough to have high resistance to punctures and scratches.

　　The images accompanying the patent include simple illustrations of a foldable device with displays that fold inwards and outwards.

　　While Apple's foldable device doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon, the company has been working hard on the technology. In September, Apple reportedly ordered a "large number" of Samsung foldable display samples.

　　IT Home learned that in 2019, Apple strengthened the glass on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. For this year's iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, the company launched the Ceramic Shield panel, which is a strengthened glass that can improve drop performance by 4 times.