This is Microsoft’s canceled Surface Duo 3 foldable smartphone
A newly filed patent gives us our first (and only) look at the design Microsoft was working on for its now canceled folding phone.
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What you need to know
Back in January 2023,I reported that Microsoft had scrapped plansto ship a dual-screen Surface Duo 3 and had instead pivoted to a more traditional foldable phone design with an internal folding display and external cover screen. The device would have featured a 180-degree hinge, triple camera array on the back, and a taller aspect ratio.
The device was codenamed Neon but was also unfortunately scrapped onceMicrosoft cutback on experimental Surface form factors in spring 2023. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see Surface Neon ship now, but thanks to a newly discovered patent (viaPatently Apple,) we can finally show you what the device would have looked like.
My sources say the device detailed in this patent is exactly what the next Surface folding phone would have looked like. We can see the back of the device featured a triple camera array positioned similarly to the iPhone’s camera module. These lenses were placed to the left of a camera bump area that spanned the very top portion of the back of the phone.
The cover screen and inside foldable screen were edge-to-edge and featured in-display camera sensors for selfies and video calls. At the time, sources said the device would feature magnetic accessories that would attach to the back of the phone, and this patent details that exact aspect of the design.
Specifically, the patent outlines a kickstand accessory that would magnetically attach to the phone in different orientations depending on if you had the phone open or closed. It’s a cool idea, and very similar to the Magsafe ecosystem that Apple has developed on the iPhone.
Sources also tell me the device would have featured a power button that could pop open the phone without having to pry the two halves apart with your fingers. This is a concept I first heard about whenAndromedawas in development, and it would have been awesome to see it finally ship.
Unfortunately, this patent is likely just an echo of a project that will never see the light of day. Microsoft has abandoned its Android smartphone efforts, with no plans to deliver any more major Android updates to itsSurface Duo 2smartphone that’s still in an active support window.
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Plus, even if Microsoft did have secret plans to launch a new phone, how would anyone be able to trust them afterhow it has handled the Surface Duo post launch?
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch onTwitterandThreads
