Future Apple Smart Cover could include embedded display

An Apple patent application first filed in August last year has revealed a design for a Smart Cover with a flexible secondary display. According to the patent filing with the USPTO, Apple says that flexible display technology can be integrated into the flexible cover without changing the overall form factor of the device. Adding the flexible display into the cover "greatly enhances the overall functionality of the tablet device."

The Smart Cover with flexible display would be powered by a connection on the surface of the hinge span, and like the current Smart Cover, would be attached magnetically. Data would be allowed to pass bi-directionally over the same connection. As the Smart Cover users flexible display technology, it could be foldable, while also displaying different information separately on each of the individual Smart Cover panel segments.

The images embedded below highlight the many ways in which a Smart Cover with flexible display technology could function. These include using the cover to function as a virtual keyboard, or area for graphic design work. In video mode, the folded section of the rear exposed on the rear could be used to control media playback, for example, or display content on the reverse side in landscape typing mode (useful in a classroom environment).

Ironically, one of the companies that has demonstrated its prowess with developing flexible display technology is Samsung. However, it would not be the first time that Apple has used core Samsung component technology to develop innovative consumer products. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff