Just as Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone later this year, Samsung appears to be looking beyond traditional foldables. A newly discovered patent, revealed by WearView and illustrated by xLeaks7, showcases a Galaxy smartphone with a slideable display that expands sideways, transforming from a conventional handset into a tablet-sized device without relying on a hinge or leaving behind a visible crease. Basically it’s the return of the rollable phone.
The most intriguing aspect of the design is its moving camera module. Instead of fixing the cameras to the stationary half of the chassis, Samsung mounts them on the sliding section, allowing the entire camera island to move as the display expands. When the phone is closed, the module neatly locks into a dedicated cutout, creating a clean rear design while helping keep the device thinner than current foldables.
The concept also reflects years of research by Samsung Display, which has showcased rollable and slideable OLED panels at CES and MWC through projects like Flex Hybrid, Slidable Flex Duet and Rollable Flex. While Samsung MX has so far focused on Galaxy Z Fold, Flip and the recently introduced TriFold lineup, this patent suggests the company’s hardware teams are already exploring what could come after foldables.
Of course, a patent is far from a commercial product, and Samsung’s official roadmap still prioritizes the Galaxy Z TriFold and Galaxy S26 series. Even so, the timing is notable. As Apple prepares to enter the foldable market with the iPhone Fold, Samsung may already be envisioning the next evolution of mobile hardware—one that replaces hinges with sliding mechanisms and delivers a larger display without the compromises that today’s foldable phones still carry.
via Yanko Design/ xLeaks7/ WearView
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