Report: Samsung is working on a double-folding foldable phone

Samsung has jumped ahead of the competition with its foldable phones, as it’s been able to deliver the in-folding Galaxy Z Fold range as well as the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip line. It might not be stopping at these form factors either.

Nikkei Asia Review reports that Samsung is now working on a “double-folding” foldable smartphone, citing three sources familiar with the topic. The sources also claim that the new device could be revealed as soon as the end of 2021.

The double-folding foldable’s details are still being finalized, according to the outlet’s sources, but it’s believed that the design will be more suitable for apps. 

“The design is set to make the unfolded screen aspect ratio be in line with the mainstream ratio of 16:9 or 18:9, so more video games and other apps could run more smoothly with better resolutions on the device,” a source elaborated to Nikkei Asia Review.

It’s unclear whether this will be a dual-folding foldable phone akin to Xiaomi’s prototype foldable, which allowed you to fold back the top and bottom. We’ve also seen patents and concepts for a device that folds into a Z shape, with one side folding backwards and the other side folding inwards. Presumably Samsung is following the latter approach, as the firm has shied away from out-folding designs due to screen damage concerns. This latter solution would mean the screens aren’t entirely exposed to potential damage as a result.

The outlet’s sources also reiterated plans for new Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold devices, but an all-new design would mark yet another major leap forward for Samsung’s foldable business.