Microsoft is ready to introduce a smartphone with a folding screen

Microsoft has abandoned the dual-screen Surface Duo 3 and is preparing a smartphone with a folding screen.

Windows Central editor Zach Bowden says the next foldable smartphone in the Surface lineup won't be a dual-screen device. Microsoft spent about a year prototyping and experimenting with the hardware of the new Surface Duo, but eventually decided to move to a design with a 180-degree hinge, an internal folding display, and an external display on one side. In appearance, the smartphone may resemble Vivo X Fold and Honor Magic Vs.

The new foldable smartphone variant came after the Surface Duo 3 dual-screen design was completed. With the new generation of Surface Duo, engineers wanted to reduce the bezels around the displays, add support for wireless charging and improve several other components. The device was planned to be released at the end of 2023.

Interestingly, Microsoft began exploring folding screen smartphones in late 2021 when it received mixed reviews for the Surface Duo 2.

Not so long ago Microsoft filed several patents for foldable devices with a single screen and a 360-degree hinge, which is why there have been speculations that this is exactly what the next Surface Duo will be. But, apparently, this is not so. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans say the device will feature a 180-degree hinge like most other foldable smartphones on the market.

Such a serious change in the form factor may well lead to a change in the name of the product. This would be quite logical, because in this form the device will no longer be a traditional Surface Duo. The company could take advantage of this to rebrand the line, as it did with the Surface Book. However, the decision has not been made, so internally the device is still considered Surface Duo 3.