A few months ago, Huawei launched the Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone in China. Since then, other smartphone makers like Oppo and Tecno have demonstrated concepts for triple-folding devices, with Samsung rumored to jump on the bandwagon sometime in 2026.
Now, a patent recently filed by Honor and published by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has showcased a new smartphone with a sliding display. According to Chinese publication IT Home, which first saw the patent, it appears that the sliding display uses a support structure that acts as a catch for the sliding phone.
The patent suggests that Honor could go with a scissor mechanism that uses folding supports linked in a crisscross X pattern, allowing the screen to extend or retract. To power it, the company is going with a linear motor. The design consists of two screen parts, one of which is fixed and the other one slides. These displays are apparently connected using flexible elastic beams, which results in less stress on the screen.
The patent suggests that Honor will use a scissor mechanism to extend and retract the screen. (Image source: ITHome)
While sliding phones are still in the concept stage, compared to folding phones, where the screens touch each other when closed, the sliding design has some notable advantages. One of the main reasons why foldable phones haven’t taken over the smartphone industry is that they aren’t as durable as candy bar phones. Since foldables have a small space between the screens, they are often susceptible to dirt and grime, which can ultimately harm the display.
However, if Honor manages to cram in the mechanism inside the device, ideally it will be vulnerable to dust and other things. Another advantage is that users will be able to slide the display whenever they want. This will open up extended multitasking capabilities and make it easier to view content and edit photos or videos.
Right now, there’s no word if Honor is working on a sliding phone, and in terms of patents, the technology may never see the light of day, so we may have to wait a few years before sliding phones hit the market.