A newly granted patent confirms Apple's vision for a flexible iPhone with a wraparound screen, indicating a future where smartphones may completely abandon traditional form factors.

Titled “Electronic Device With Wrap-Around Display,” the patent describes a flexible, touch-sensitive screen that covers every visible side of the device, including the back and edges. The all-screen concept is designed to maximise display space and transform how users interact with their iPhones.

Apple pursuing idea of an all-screen iPhone with a wrap around display | AppleInsider

All-screen, all around

The futuristic design envisions a screen that dynamically adapts to how a user holds or uses the phone. With transparent casing and curved display technology, this design could allow for

The patent also describes methods of manufacturing the wraparound display

Customizable touch controls
Animated notifications on any side
Interactive wallpapers or widgets
Seamless UI transitions across surfaces

The patent hints at segment-based displays that adjust depending on orientation, perhaps even suggesting modular reconfiguration of the interface.

Years in the making

This isn’t Apple’s first foray into the wraparound concept. The earliest iteration dates back to 2013, with this latest version being an evolved application originally filed in 2019. Its approval shows ongoing commitment and iterative refinement over the past decade.

No iPhone fold yet

While a patent doesn’t guarantee a market-ready device, it does reflect Apple’s serious interest in exploring flexible and foldable technology. The newly granted version notably adds flexibility elements, possibly aligning it with the broader market trend of foldables seen from rivals like Samsung and Huawei.

According to AppleInsider, the project falls within Apple’s broader strategy of challenging conventional smartphone designs, exploring advanced form factors that could redefine user interaction.