When we think about bold experiments in the smartphone space, Huawei is one name that always tops the charts. From launching the world's first triple foldable with the Huawei Mate XTs to the first wide foldable with the Huawei Pura X Max, the brand isn't afraid to experiment. Now, it seems like another one of those is on the horizon, as a new patent filing has revealed a triple-folding clamshell phone from Huawei.
Huawei's Vertical Tri-Fold Is the Clamshell Phone Glowup No One Saw Coming
First spotted by tech publication PostFast, the latest Huawei patent filing, dated May 28, 2026, has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It carries the US 2026/0147388 A1 docket number and has been filed under the US. CI. classification, which is usually assigned to those patents that are close to completion.
It shows off a triple-folding phone design, which is unlike what we have seen with the Huawei Mate XT or the Mate XTs. It shows off a clamshell-like design that uses a dual hinge mechanism to fold/unfold a single UTG (ultra thin glass) in a vertical manner.
What's interesting is that the phone's width resembles the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, compared to the Pura X, which is a passport-like clamshell fold. This means that Huawei is planning to bring a tri-fold design to the conventional flip-style fold, which could usher in a new wave of clamshell phone designs.
Also, judging by the outline and structural layout in one of the patented photos, we can expect the folding display to follow a 'Z' shaped pattern wherein a portion of the display will stick out at the top, acting like a cover screen. It is similar to what the Mate XTs and Mate XT features. However, it is less durable when compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold.
However, since this is a flip phone prototype, this makes sense. Also, another important thing to note is that several of the patent filing images focus on the bend and tensile strength of the fold curvature and they show off a waterdrop-style notch folding display, which is usually what modern foldables use to reduce the crease depth over time and also not to exert too much pressure on the folded screen.
It is unclear how Huawei will tackle the hinges without adding enough weight and thickness to the phone. The images do show off a thicker square unit when folded, which is much higher than what conventional flip phones offer.
That said, at the time of writing, it is hard to tell when the vertical tri-fold will launch. As it is with most patents, they rarely tend to materialise in reality. However, given how much Huawei loves releasing experimental phones, we won't be surprised if this novel tech design makes it to the mass market in the coming years.
