IBM patents smartwatch that folds out into a smartphone and tablet

american tech giant IBM has patented a smartwatch with an unfolding display that allows the device to be used as a smartphone and a tablet. as detailed in the patent, which was filed back in 2016, the wearable device features a total of eight unfolding displays, each one measuring 2 x 3 inches.

images via letsgodigital unless stated otherwise

in the standard configuration the smartwatch uses only one of these displays while the rest are stored in a small compartment inside the device. if the user wants a larger screen size they can slide parts out of the housing to give an extra wide display.

IBM originally filed the patent back in 2016 under the name ‘variable display size for an electronic display device’. the patent has since been approved on 11 june 2019 and published in the USPTO (united states patent and trademark office) database.

illustration © IBM

when all 8 display parts have been extended, the phone switches to tablet mode, requiring operation with two hands. the display seams appear as minimal, so that the content can be displayed continuously.

the patent doesn’t describe exactly how this will work but thanks to letsgodigital, we have one idea of how the foldable smartwatch might look like if IBM chooses to develop it to completion. the dutch tech news site has created a series of 3D renderings based on the information in this patent.

project info

company: IBM

type: smartwatch

status: patent