Apple has made headlines recently with a patent application for a groundbreaking new product: a foldable Apple Watch. This innovative smartwatch could mark a significant step forward in wearable technology, potentially offering users a blend of style, functionality, and enhanced usability.
The patent, filed in September 2023 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in March 2025, reveals plans for a foldable smartwatch featuring a dual-screen design. This new device, which could reshape how we think about smartwatches, is designed with a hinge mechanism that allows the screen to unfold into a larger display area, offering a “seamless” visual experience without visible creases.
Unlike traditional Apple Watches, which are fixed in design with a strap and display, the foldable version will incorporate a removable screen connected to a fixed frame. This design allows for flexibility, with the device able to be folded for compact portability or unfolded for larger interaction. The watch’s hinge system is set to enhance its functionality, offering a more immersive display for video calls, messages, and apps, much like a smartphone.
Design and Features
The foldable Apple Watch’s design combines both aesthetic appeal and technical prowess. When folded, the watch resembles a mini flip phone, compact and futuristic. When opened, it transforms into a small yet powerful smart device with a dual-sided screen. This screen integrates not only the usual sensors but also external displays, increasing the watch’s interactive capabilities.
A standout feature is the inclusion of two independent cameras, which enhances the device’s ability to handle video calls and photography. This makes the foldable Apple Watch a versatile tool for both communication and entertainment. Despite the increased functionality, the watch retains its signature sleek design, ensuring it remains lightweight and easy to wear.
Potential Use and Functionality
Apple’s foldable Apple Watch aims to address users’ needs for both practicality and independence from smartphones. With its larger, unfolded screen, the watch will offer features typically associated with smartphones, such as FaceTime calls, text message processing, and running various apps. Additionally, the dual cameras support high-quality video conferencing and photography, making it a powerful tool for social and professional interactions.
In its folded state, the watch is highly portable and practical, designed for ease of use during sports or leisure activities. Apple’s patent suggests that the watch could eliminate the need for a smartphone in certain scenarios, making it possible for users to handle daily communications and entertainment without the extra device.
