Apple has been the subject of numerous rumors regarding its potential foldable devices, but the wait may seem worthwhile.

A newly discovered patent hints at a unique feature that could set future Apple apart in the foldable phone market.

Are self-healing screens coming to iPhone?

According to Android Authority, a patent was filed with the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) detailing a device with a self-healing folding screen. This technology could be applied to a range of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, monitors, or wearables. The patent, however, specifies that the self-healing material could cover the entire display or just the flexible part of it.

The document describes the automatic self-healing process, where the material fills in dents and scratches without external intervention. Alternatively, healing can be accelerated with heat, light, or electric current. There are also mentions of heat-induced healing that might happen during charging or on a set schedule.

This wouldn’t be the first instance of self-healing tech in consumer gadgets. LG previously introduced this feature back in 2013 with its G Flex smartphones, which could repair minor scratches on their backs. However, the technology had limitations, struggling with deeper damage.

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Applying this to foldable phone screens, which are more prone to scratches due to their plastic nature, could be revolutionary. But it’s important to note that this is merely a patent filing. There is no certainty that Apple will implement this technology in its products.