Samsung patents what might be its best shot at the tri-folding device of the future yet

Samsung has often and publicly expressed its view as a leading electronics OEM that foldables (and others such as rollables) are the future. To this end, it may have had one of its latest patents for a device that might have the best shot of bringing these plans to fruition approved by the WIPO.

This IP, reportedly also granted to Samsung by Korean patent authorities in June 2021, essentially depicts something very like the Flex In & Out concept device showcased by the company previously. However, this one might be a winner compared to the older model.

For one, it outlines an improved layout for the tri-folding device's internals, which, furthermore, allows it to lose the "grips" to either side of its dual-hinged main display and shift any visible cameras to the rear panel. On that note, there may be scope for under-display shooters and fingerprint sensors in this new design.

Finally, the patent's diagram shows a USB type-C port set into one edge as one might expect; however, the possibility of additional connectivity, an HDMI port, SD card slot and even an 3.5mm jack included, might be implied through this new document, thus making it seem like more of the all-in-one form-factor Samsung might be aiming for.

The new foldable might even have S Pen support; however, it seems any stylus would have to be carried separately as the frame is too thin to accommodate a silo. Then again, given the date of the patent's latest publication, it may be some time before this new potential use of flexible OLED hits the market.

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