Samsung patents an RGB hinge for its Galaxy Z Fold series because why not

The Galaxy Z Fold2 is Samsung's second-generation device with a vertical hinge allowing its main 7.6-inch AMOLED display to bend along its center. The outer face of this ground-breaking component shows the OEM's logo and not much else at present. However, it seems its maker thinks a state-of-the-art phone's hinge could do more in the future.

To this end, Samsung has reportedly patented a method of upgrading one of these innovative features with RGB accents. It results in a strip of LEDs running along a Galaxy Z Fold2-like device's spine, much like those found on the back of the Nubia Red Magic line of gaming phones. This is achieved by installing 6 separate diodes along the hinge, interspersing their power connectors amongst its components.

The overall design might offer a nice effect in a real-world device, and may also be handy for notifications without activating a screen. On the other hand, its possible purposes are somewhat defeated by the fact that the Galaxy Z Fold2 has an entire secondary screen on its top panel, as does its predecessor the Galaxy Fold. Therefore, time will tell if Samsung will actually put this intellectual property to use in a next-gen falgship device.