Microsoft’s Foldable Phone Patent Features Surface Kickstand: A Portable Windows 11 Device

On April 23, 2025, Microsoft took a bold step into the future of mobile technology by filing a patent for an innovative foldable device named “KICKSTAND FOR OPENING FOLDABLE COMPUTING DEVICE” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).This filing stands out from Microsoft’s previous patents, as it showcases a foldable phone featuring a Surface Pro-style kickstand—a significant design evolution that suggests exciting possibilities for portable computing.

Initially discovered by Windows Latest, the patent was officially published on August 7, 2025, but became widely accessible just over the weekend. As I delved into the comprehensive 37-page document, I uncovered several compelling insights that I would like to share.

Surface Fold patent design — Patent diagram | Image Courtesy: USPTO

The patent outlines a dual-frame system: a primary frame which includes the first screen and a secondary frame designed to house the kickstand. This feature is emblematic of the Surface Pro lineup, known for its versatility and functionality in both tablet and laptop formats.

Surface Fold patent diagram — Patent diagram | Image Courtesy: USPTO

Microsoft’s innovation aims to enhance the user experience by enabling the foldable phone to function independently on a desk, allowing users to seamlessly connect a mouse or keyboard—transforming it into a more robust computing device. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s overarching vision for the Surface family, although it’s worth contemplating how the leadership’s direction might influence these innovations moving forward.

Surface patent — Patent diagram | Image Courtesy: USPTO

According to findings from Windows Latest, the device incorporates cutting-edge hinge technology along with optional aids, such as a spring-loaded plunger or a small motorized latch. These components facilitate a one-handed opening mechanism—an exceptional feature that enhances usability. The integrated kickstand promises stability for functionalities such as reading, video conferencing, or streaming media, aligning with the goals of Microsoft 365.

Examining the kickstand mechanism closely, the patent indicates that it comprises an upper plate that users can interact with via their thumb, and a lower plate that serves as the “leg” when deployed. The clever use of magnets facilitates a smooth transition from a closed to an open state, ensuring the device maintains stability.

You might wonder how such a slim hinge can provide adequate support. As detailed in the documents, the magnets enable the kickstand assembly to align with the device’s hinge line when engaged. This design not only creates a balanced structure but utilizes the device’s mass to maintain an upright position—a principle rooted in physics known as static stability, delivering a dependable and user-friendly experience.

For a clearer visualization of the proposed foldable device, I have also created a CAD rendering:

Surface Fold CAD — Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

Microsoft’s Perspective: The Advantages of a Foldable Phone Featuring a Kickstand

One of the key aspects highlighted within the patent filing is Microsoft’s assertion that existing foldable phones, such as the Galaxy Fold or Flip, fail to effectively meet consumer demands despite their novel designs. These devices typically consist of two screens that rotate around a hinge, but often lack practical features for real-world applications.

In contrast, Microsoft envisions its foldable device not only as a stylish gadget but as a solution that addresses specific user needs—such as the ability to position the phone at various angles for reading or watching content. The integration of a kickstand could drastically enhance versatility and usability.

“Kickstand assemblies of the present disclosure enable a user to easily open the device from the closed orientation while deploying the kickstand, ” Microsoft noted in the patent, as revealed by Windows Latest.

“Additionally and in some examples, when the two frames have transitioned to the open configuration, magnets releasably secure the first frame and the second frame in the open configuration, thereby stabilizing the two frames in this position, ” the patent outlines.

This innovative approach raises an intriguing question: If Microsoft were to release a foldable device with Windows 11, would you consider making a purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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