Apple is competing with Samsung to come up with their own foldable phone. Which Is called the Z-Folded display so far. That will have flexible hinges to make it easier to use. I think that Apple wants to stay number 1. Ironically Samsung makes Apples display and processor. Oh well, competition is competition. This is the quote from Jack Purcher a co worker of Apple Corporation.
“Apple’s second patent win covers a new round of patent claims that define the additions to the original invention. The main focus is on a flexible hinge. The secondary point touches on the use of fabric for the housing.
… a flexible hinge coupled between the first and second housing portions, wherein the flexible hinge flexes to allow the first housing portion to rotate relative to the second housing portion; …wherein the foldable display has first and second display portions separated by a third display portion, wherein the third display portion overlaps the flexible portion of the housing …wherein the flexible portion of the housing comprises fabric.”
Jeff’s techblog 