Your next iPhone might be able to roll into a cylinder, a recent Apple patent suggests

• The patent, filed by Apple in November and published on July 13, shows a rollable electronic display.
• The design uses thinned glass and components that create compression to protect the screen when rolled.

In the market for a new iPhone? Your next device could get quite the upgrade: Apple has filed a patent for a device that's capable of rolling up.

The patent, filed in November and published on July 13, demonstrates a design for a rolling phone that relies on thinned glass and components that place compressive pressure on the screen to ensure the display is not damaged when rolled.

While the patent is for general electronic displays, Apple specifically noted in the application this design could be used for phones.

Apple would be joining Samsung, Motorola, and LG in the quest to bring to market a rollable smartphone.

Both Samsung and Motorola are also working toward a rollable phone, but neither company has actually brought the product to market. LG too has advertised a rollable phone that they have yet to release. The company now sells a rollable OLED television.