Despite ongoing rumors, Apple has so far avoided the foldable device trend However, a new patent suggests that Apple is working on a unique way to make a foldable, sorry, "stretchable" display

Apple will reportedly release something foldable in 2025, but perhaps a new patent application found by Apple Insider suggests the Cupertino-based company is working on a new kind of display

The application, filed with the US Patent Office, is called "Stretchable Display" and lists 55 (!) inventors are listed Apple has indeed teamed up on this project from both the US and Taiwan

The device described is an OLED display with "a stretchable portion with a sealed rigid pixel island" The application does not provide specific examples of how the stretchable screen would work, but does indicate that it could be used in a number of devices, including laptops and cell phones

The application also cites "small devices such as wristwatch-type devices, pendant-type devices, headphone or earphone-type devices, devices embedded in eyeglasses, or other devices worn on the user's head"

To be fair, Apple is probably covering its bases here for any device that might have a stretchable screen, even if it never actually makes it

We're speculating here that, given the rumors of the Apple Watch circling the display, a stretchable display would not fold or crease like Samsung's foldable phone or Motorola's new Razr flip phone Instead, it appears to be meant to wrap around

Rumors that Apple is working on a foldable MacBook have been around for several years Whether that imaginary device is something like the Pixel Fold phone or something like Lenovo's ThinkPad is not certain However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that it will be a foldable screen device that could be a precursor to the foldable iPhone Of course, other rumors suggest that a foldable iPad will appear, but not until 2026 or 2027

I wonder if Apple is actually working on a foldable device, or if it is just wishful thinking by the tech community for something that will rival or exceed how cool foldable phones like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 actually are often wonder

Even if the patent is granted, there is no guarantee that the proposed idea will be seen in the final product, but it will be interesting to see what Apple thinks about the future of their products