Although Apple snubbed the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, there is no stopping the never-ending curiosity of tech aficionados about the company's forthcoming devices, including the iPhone 7.

The latest buzz about the iPhone 7 is the possibility of it sporting a curved or flexible screen. This rumor stems from a patent awarded to Apple by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, hinting that the company is mulling over curved screens. Specifically, the patent outlines a mobile device that has flexible components inside and out. This suggests that the company has plans of making a fully flexible device in the future. Moreover, it implies that the mobile device can be bended and folded without fear of breakage. Users can also launch apps and features while the device is folded. This could be Apple's ultimate solution to the complaints about the iPhone's and iPad's brittle screens. 

But then, no matter how awesome this technology might be, it seems that it is still premature. Also, the current trend of curved displays is still at its early stage. It is most likely that Apple filed the patent in order to protect the technology to prevent other companies from developing it. Furthermore, Apple has filed numerous patents over the years that have not seen the light of the day. 

Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 idea is surrounded by quite a number of speculations and consumer wishful thinking, including a wide array of high-end, even futuristic, specs and features such as a 3D screen display with sapphire covering, built-in projector, and organic battery. Other rumored features include an A9 processor and iOS 9. While these are great features to have, the price will certainly reflect the technology should these come to fruition. 

There is no certainty as to when the iPhone 7 will be released, but September 2015 is the most likely time (if there is indeed an iPhone 7 in the making), noting the previous launch events hosted by Apple. However, it is business as usual in the Cupertino-based company as it has not commented on the iPhone 7 rumors and is focusing on delivering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to buyers. Also, it will have to go through the launch of the Apple Watch early this year first.