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Apple patents flexible curved displays ahead of potential iWatch launch

Apple has patented its own curved flexible display technology that it could implement in future devices like the rumoured Apple Watch.

The patent was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and details technology that would allow Apple to bend the edges of a display around a device.

This could potentially form a similar device to the three-sided Samsung Galaxy smartphone that was leaked earlier this month.

 Apple’s technology patent includes special border housing that can be used to reduce the thickness and weight of future devices, including the iWatch.

The patent specifically outlines that the technology can be used for smartphones, tablets, wrist-worn devices, other wearable and “miniature” devices that utilise an OLED display.

This patent filing supports an earlier rumour that Apple could be working on a bezel-less iPhone 6 model, which would utilise a flexible display to cut out the need for side-bezels around the screen.

Apple’s patent outlines a number of ways this could be implemented, including using electrode materials to reinforce flexible displays and prevent damage when bending.

The iWatch is tipped to launch alongside the iPhone 6 in September, which should be the first two devices to feature iOS 8 – a potentially health-centric version of Apple’s mobile OS.

Originally the iWatch was tipped to be a miniature wrist-based smartphone with a feature set far advancing that of existing smart watches like the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

However, the latest rumour suggest that isn’t quite the case, and the iWatch features may be more basic than originally suggested.

Read more: iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5C

Via: Patently Apple

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