Samsung Electronics filed to patent a smartphone design depicting a handset with a fully wraparound display that covers both the front and back panel of the device, as well as its edges, as revealed by a set of documents that were recently published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In addition to a unique display, the patent also describes a particular feature that provides users with the option of quickly launching apps on any side of the phone. The documentation and accompanying illustrations detail an app drawer located on the side display panel of the smartphone from which users are able to launch apps by tapping and dragging them to the left or right in order to decide whether they want to open them on the front or back screen of the handset.

The sketch of the device depicted in the illustrations accompanying Samsung's latest patent looks somewhat similar to the compact shape a foldout phone that Samsung filed to patent with the USPTO in January. The South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer applied for a number of patents related to curved and foldable mobile display panels in recent years as the company continues to ramp up its efforts to innovate in the field of smartphone design. Samsung is currently in the process of commercializing its first foldable handset, industry sources claim, and while that device — rumored to be called the Galaxy X — is expected to look less futuristic than the one depicted above, it seems that the Seoul-based tech giant believes that the future of smartphones definitely lies in flexible displays and devices with massive screen to body ratios. This particular design philosophy is already reflected by the company's Galaxy S lineup, especially the recently released Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, and Samsung is expected to continue evolving it in the future.

The company's first consumer-grade foldable smartphone is rumored to launch at some point next year and is said to be offered as an alternative to the Galaxy S-series handsets, meaning it won't only sport a unique design but will also be just as powerful as Samsung's traditional Android flagships. More details regarding the company's smartphone products are expected to follow in the coming months.