Samsung’s Innovative Foldable Patent: A Smartphone That Folds Both Ways

Most foldable smartphones today follow an inward-folding design, where the main screen remains protected within the device while a smaller outer screen handles notifications and basic tasks.

Some manufacturers, like Huawei, have experimented with outward-folding designs, which offer a sleeker and more futuristic look. However, these devices face durability challenges since part of the display remains exposed at all times.

What if a smartphone could fold both inward and outward? Samsung has patented such a device, and a concept rendering by @xleaks7 brings it to life.

This innovative patent-pending design introduces 360-degree folding areas, allowing the screen to bend in both directions. By eliminating the need for a separate cover display, the device maximizes screen utility while maintaining a compact form. Even when folded, a portion of the display remains visible beneath the camera module for quick access to information.

The patent describes Samsung’s custom-engineered supportive layers beneath its ultra-thin glass (UTG) flexible screen, incorporating flexible polymer substrates and a specialized adhesive layer. Additionally, it features custom support plates with a lattice and stripe pattern, enabling smooth bi-directional folding.

Samsung previously showcased a “Flex In & Out” concept device in 2023, but there have been no major updates regarding its commercial release. With this new patent, Samsung could be closer than ever to revolutionizing the foldable smartphone market.