Realme may be working on a new device with a foldable display, according to a patent document posted on the China Patents and Trademarks website. The alleged foldable device is said to feature magnetic components that can help the user fold and unfold the device with one hand. The book-style foldable device is said to have two hinged frames, and the company could use the technology described in the patent for smartphones as well as other consumer electronics.

Realme’s patent hints at the possibility of folding using magnetic components

A patent document from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) spotted by 91Mobiles suggests that Realme may be working on a new device with a foldable screen that can be used to create devices such as a phone, tablet or portable gaming PC. The patent was filed in July 2023 and issued less than a year later, in March 2024.

The patent described in the document suggests that the alleged foldable Realme will be equipped with magnetic components that can repel or attract each other, making it easier for users to open and close the device with one hand. The controller will decide whether the magnets on any panel are attracted to each other by activating or deactivating the magnetic field.

To control the movement of the magnetic element, the company’s patent document suggests that the first magnetic element should be able to slide along the hinge axis. The actuator would control how the first magnetic element moves, while the control unit would wait for commands from the user to control the actuator.

While the technology in the patent document suggests that a foldable phone with magnetic technology could make it easier to use a larger device, it’s worth remembering that earlier this year, Realme’s chief marketing officer Francis Wong said the company was hitting the brakes on its efforts to launch a foldable phone. phone due to factors such as durability and cost-effectiveness. As a result, it may be several years before the technology described in this patent is launched by a company.