Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 release date: Patent filing hints at replacing physical buttons with capacitive buttons, squeeze gesture

A patent filed by Samsung that features illustrations of a device that looks like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has sparked speculations that the tech giant is planning to remove all physical buttons from its foldable devices. They could be replaced with capacitive buttons and gesture-based controls in the future.

Is Samsung removing all physical buttons in Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The patent filing in question was submitted last November and was recently published by the World Intellectual Property Office, as first spotted by Lets Go Digital. The document reportedly references the invention as intended for a foldable electronic device that primarily aims to replace the conventional physical buttons.

If Samsung intends on making the invention in the patent become a reality, it would mean that devices following the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be released with buttons that rely on gesture controls. This appears to be one of the solutions Samsung may end up using to address one of the common complaints about the Galaxy Z Fold devices. People find it difficult to use the physical buttons on the device when it is folded.

Seeing this invention in the actual foldable phone is not entirely impossible, and Google has done this with previous Pixel phones. However, it may be unlikely for this change to be applied to the anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 3. The device has appeared in early leaks that do not seem to correspond with the technical design illustrated in the patent filing. But the upcoming device is still expected to deliver significant changes, especially with its selfie camera.

Galaxy Z Fold users have been hoping to have an unobstructed view when the device is unfolded, but this was not possible with the selfie camera placed on the internal screen. However, early leaks have hinted at Samsung finally switching to an under-display camera, suggesting the Galaxy Z Fold 3 might offer the much-requested all-screen view.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 release date could be in July

Despite the amount of Galaxy Z Fold 3 leaks that appeared in the wild, Samsung is keeping its silence about its next foldable smartphones. Fans may have to wait until August to learn about the official design and specs of the device.

The South Korean tech giant is rumored to announce the Galaxy Z Fold 3, along with Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy S21 FE, in August. The month was usually reserved for the announcement of a new Galaxy Note, but it is one device that Samsung is not expected to refresh in 2021.

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