According to the latest from China, Xiaomi has just been granted a patent for the design of a “cellular telephone and its main body,” revealing the design of a tri-fold smartphone with three-section foldable screenAccording to the patent, the device features three horizontally arranged rear cameras and a dual-hinge design.
Patent for Xiaomi's first tri-fold smartphone appears online
Despite the interest it has generated, the blogger who leaked the news, Digital Chat Station, clarified that Xiaomi has only made technical reservations for this tri-fold screen and has no plans for mass production yet. Currently, the company is focusing on two lines of foldable screen products: the MIX Flip series for small-sized devices and the MIX Fold series for large-sized devices.
Industry experts have pointed out that triple-folding phones still face significant challenges in terms of cost, technology, software application adaptation, and return rate. In the short term, other manufacturers are likely to adopt a wait-and-see attitude toward these devices.
Despite these challenges, the foldable screen market continues to grow. A report by Counterpoint Research revealed that global foldable phone shipments increased 48% year-on-year in Q2024 XNUMX. China continues to lead the market, accounting for more than half of total shipments.
In any case, while Xiaomi has made a significant technological advance with its patent for a tri-fold smartphone, it remains to be seen if and when this device will go into mass production. In the meantime, the company will continue to develop and refine its current foldable product lines, trying to maintain its position as a leader in the innovative smartphone market. Competition in the foldable screen sector is fierce, with many companies exploring different solutions to improve the usability and durability of their devices.
