In early 2012 the US Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple the intellectual rights to a couple of flexible displays that could twist and bend, which naturally indicated that the Cupertino-based technology giant was exploring methods of incorporating flexible displays into its future products. It is said that Apple has filed the flexible display patents because it was looking to incorporate the technology into its alleged smart watch that has been dubbed the iWatch. The latest job opening advertised by Apple has once again confirmed that the California-based tech giant is seriously considering the integration of the flexible displays into its forthcoming devices. Here is what the new job listing from Apple reads:
“Apple Inc. is looking for a Display Specialist to lead the investigation on emerging display technologies such as high optical efficiency LCD, AMOLED and flexible display to improve overall display optical performance.
Description
Major responsibilities include:
– Investigate advanced display technologies. Analyze the trade-offs between design, process, optical performance, and implementation feasibility.
– Drive display & component suppliers on the advancement of materials, design & processes to meet display module and system design goals.
– Work with cross-functional team on the display architecture, prototyping and system integration. Solve critical issues.
– Support the display roadmap with technology.
– Conduct competitive study on display optical design and performance.”
The listing that was posted at the start of this month clearly divulges that Apple is looking for a Senior Optical Engineer, who should be specialised in display technology in order to explore “high optical efficiency LCD, AMOLED and flexible display.” Particularly, Apple has mentioned that the open post will require the employee to “Analyze the trade-offs between design, process, optical performance, and implementation feasibility.” It appears that Apple has now pulled this job listing from its site for some unknown reason but 9to5Mac managed to take a screen shot of the ad.
Although patent applications from Apple usually do not give a clear indication about the impending products from the company, this time it seems quite possible because the iOS device maker has listed a proper ad for the job concerning flexible displays. However, this does not mean that Apple is the first company that is working on flexible displays, as this technology has been around for quite some time now. In fact, Samsung has showed its flexible display technology on various occasions in the past few years, but it has not become a mainstream product.
Apart from Samsung and Apple, other companies like LG and Sharp have also showcased prototypes of their flexible displays at the 2013 CES in last January.
Source: iPhoneinCanada, 9to5Mac
Photo: 9to5Mac