Honor's Four-Fold Patent Revealed, Zhao Ming: Future Depends on Consumer Demand

Honor's Four-Fold Patent Revealed, Zhao Ming: Future Depends on Consumer DemandDuring a recent live stream featuring Honor Terminal Co., Ltd

Honor's Four-Fold Patent Revealed, Zhao Ming: Future Depends on Consumer Demand

During a recent live stream featuring Honor Terminal Co., Ltd. CEO Zhao Ming and 360 Group founder and chairman Zhou Hongyi, Zhou inquired about Honor's timeline for releasing a tri-fold product. Zhao responded directly, "We (Honor) already have a four-fold patent. The future depends on consumer needs. Technically, there are no limitations."

This statement has sparked interest in Honor's future direction for foldable phone development. Previously, Honor's tri-fold phone design patent was applied for on December 8, 2021, and was granted on April 12, 2024. The patent depicts a device with a large circular camera and a charging port located at the bottom of the middle section of the tri-fold phone. Digital influencer @DigitalChatStation has also revealed that Honor is planning to commercialize a tri-fold phone.

Even more noteworthy is a "Foldable Electronic Device" invention patent granted to Honor on September 17th by the National Intellectual Property Administration. The patent illustration showcases Honor's vision for a cross-fold design, combining the existing vertical and horizontal folding methods to divide the phone into four screen areas. The patent also explores various layout options, enabling multiple folding configurations.

The revelation of Honor's four-fold patent signifies its bold exploration in the field of foldable screen technology. Compared to the mainstream dual-fold approach prevalent in the market, the four-fold design offers significantly larger screen space and richer interactive possibilities. Imagine users engaging in various activities on the four separate screen areas, such as browsing the web on one, editing documents on another, and simultaneously enjoying videos or playing games on the remaining two.

However, the four-fold configuration also faces numerous challenges. Firstly, the technical complexity. Achieving multiple folds necessitates a more intricate hinge design and robust screen materials to ensure device reliability and durability. Secondly, there is the cost issue. The manufacturing cost of a four-fold device would undoubtedly be higher, directly impacting the product's price and potentially limiting its target audience.

During the live stream, Zhao Ming emphasized that Honor's future decision to launch a four-fold phone depends on consumer demand. This demonstrates Honor's commitment to a market-driven approach to product development and its willingness to adjust based on user needs.

Currently, the foldable phone market is still in its early stages, and user habits and expectations for foldable devices remain underdeveloped. For Honor, introducing a four-fold product requires careful consideration of market competition, technology maturity, and cost control. Whether Honor will eventually release a four-fold phone, and when, remains to be seen.