While foldable smartphones were first seen commercially in 2019, only a few OEMs have so far launched such devices. This includes brands like Huawei, Samsung, and Motorola. However, Vivo might also be joining the club as a new patent application suggests a possible foldable handset.
Vivo recently applied for a number of new patents that were under the display and electronic equipment title, according to a MyDrivers report. The description reveals a new display technology and an electronic device. What’s interesting is that the display is flexible, with multiple layers. The flexible display will be connected to a protective layer through a type of adhesive.
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According to the patent, the display is made of three parts, with the first and second being protective layers that surround the third layer that is the flexible display. The emphasis on display protection is likely to provide a solution to the issue that the current generation of flexible displays faces, which are easier to damage than conventional screens.
Furthermore, the Chinese tech giant also patented two other patents for the display technology and an electronic equipment/device. The patent for these mainly highlights the connection between the device and the display, while the former application solely aimed at protection and durability. This might be Vivo’s attempt at a future possible foldable smartphone launch or just simply covering all bases. Unfortunately, it is also unknown if the company would actually work on such a device.
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