Huawei’s ongoing exploration of tri-fold smartphones appears to be entering a new phase, according to a recently published design patent. The filing, widely thought to correspond to a successor to the Mate XT, indicates a significant rethinking of the device’s folding structure, moving toward a mechanism that prioritizes screen protection above all else.
A shift from Z-fold to U-fold engineering
The patent paperwork reveals a triple-panel layout that folds both outer display segments fully inward against the central main screen. This marks a departure from the Z-style hinge used in the first Mate XT and adopts a U-shaped closure that shields the inner displays when the device is folded. The resulting protective envelope echoes other inward-folding concepts on the market, though the closing sequence stands apart: the illustrations reportedly show the left panel closing before the right, a detail that reverses the order seen in Samsung’s rival tri-fold prototypes.
New external display and updated camera housing
Another notable addition is an external display panel, a feature absent from the Mate XT and Mate XT Ultimate Design. The patent also shows a large circular camera module on the rear of the device. This housing differs from the Star Diamond camera module that defines the Mate XT Ultimate Design, suggesting a refreshed aesthetic direction for the camera array.
Cautious outlook with a possible late-year launch
The patent itself dates back to 2023, which introduces an element of uncertainty. Documents of this kind can contain speculative or placeholder elements and do not guarantee that a final product will match the filing. Still, the patent signals that Huawei remains actively engaged in refining its tri-fold portfolio. Additional details are expected to surface in the months ahead, with industry observers pointing to a potential unveiling from September onward.
Source: x.com