Microsoft believes that the future of its Surface Phones lies in foldable designs. While the upcoming Surface Phone 2017 may not be made foldable, the technology may soon come to future Surface Phones as Microsoft has reportedly filed for a patent that will make the devices foldable via a flexible hinge structure. Tech companies such as LG and Samsung are already developing such phones and Microsoft reportedly doesn't want to be left behind.

The Microsoft Surface Phone could be a phablet, a foldable hybrid device, capable of surprising with an ultra-flexible body. Fresh reports suggest that Microsoft is planning a new handset that will be linked to its Surface Book and Surface Pro products. While it is not known whether this product is the Surface Phone, tech enthusiasts believe it is so. Although Microsoft files for numerous patents, most of them never see the light of day.

However, the context of this foldable phone patent is important. It comes from Kabir Siddiqui, who has also successfully patented Microsoft's Surface kickstand and Surface camera angle previously, reports The Verge. The latest patent filing could be a hint at how Microsoft is thinking of making a comeback in the smartphone industry with its Surface Phone.

Other rumors surrounding the Microsoft Surface Phone are that the device will sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and run a 64-bit version of Windows 10 Mobile. The device may gain a new level of productivity if the Continuum mode is made compatible. It will allow Surface Phone users to run a desktop PC-like environment on a large screen from the smartphone.

Fans can expect a bigger display in Microsoft Surface Phone like a 5.5-inch HD Display with a screen resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 pixels. Various rumors have suggested three variants for the Surface Phone - 8GB RAM/500GB internal storage, 6GB RAM/128GB internal storage and 3GB RAM/32GB internal storage.