Microsoft Already Has Surface Duo—Now It’s Filing Patent For A Tri-Fold Version

By now, we all know of the foldable phone. Notably taking the classic flip phone for a high-tech spin has been Samsung with the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip. 

But the more the merrier, or so it seems—Microsoft appears to be interested in going another step further and adding another screen to make three. 

In a document dating December 23 uncovered by Patently Apple, Microsoft depicts a three-paneled version of its Surface Duo, which is a 360º-hinged dual-screen mobile display. 

The three screens are connected to each other via hinges, one after another, and these are marked 1406 and 1410 in the diagram. 

Gizmodo points out that while, when unfolded, the phone will get increased “screen real estate,” it wouldn’t make a difference when tucked back in since the three screens would stack on top of each other. It would just be a little thicker. 

Well, maybe not just a little. The thought of three smartphones stacked on top of each other might already be enough to conjure up the feeling of your back pocket being mightily weighed down. But hopefully, if this design does see the light of day—patents are, after all, still not confirmations—Microsoft will have found a way to make it a bit easier to take around with you. 

The tech giant is, however, not the only one interested in a triptych of technology. A while back, TCL unveiled its own version of a triple-fold concept. But, maybe due to reasons above, it hasn’t quite hit the market yet, either. 

[via Patently Apple & Gizmodo, cover image via Microsoft / US Patent Office]