Huawei's next flagship phone may have a touchscreen around its rear camera module

One of the most distinguishing design features of Huawei's Mate 30 Pro is undoubtedly the halo ring embracing its quad-camera setup. Now, a new patent granted to the Chinese company by the World Intellectual Property Office (via LetsGoDigital) suggests the Mate 40 Pro's halo ring might actually house a touch display.

As per the drawings included in the patent application, the circular touch display embedded inside the halo ring will enable users to control the volume, flip web pages, zoom in or out while using the camera, and more. When you receive a phone call, and the phone is placed upside down, you will be able to view caller ID information on the circular display. Users will even be able to read new messages without having to lift the phone.

In addition to the touch-sensitive halo ring, the drawings also suggest the Mate 40 Pro will have a quad-camera array on the back, just like its predecessor. However, it is important to keep in mind that the patent doesn't actually confirm that Huawei will be using this design in a new Mate series phone this year. While smartphone makers keep filing patents for innovative new designs, they don't always make it to production.

The Mate 40, as well as the Mate 40 Pro, are likely to be unveiled sometime in September this year.