Smartphone displays capable of healing scratches or cracks have long been a staple of science fiction stories. However, a recent report from analyst firm CCS Insight suggests that this concept might soon become a reality, with smartphones featuring self-healing displays possibly hitting the market as early as 2028.
How would such a display work?
As per the report, a self-healing display would utilize a “nano-coating” on the surface of phone displays. And when scratched, this coating would react with air, creating a new material that effectively fills in the imperfection.
“This is not in the realm of science fiction. It can be done. There are some new technologies that people are working on right now that look as though this could become something that people have another go with. We’re not talking about smashed screens miraculously coming back. This is all just little cosmetic scratches,” said Chief Analyst Ben Wood in an interview with CNBC.
However, for those wondering if they have seen such a technology, the concept of self-repairing smartphone displays is not entirely new. This is because LG introduced self-healing technology with the LG G Flex in 2013, featuring a curved screen and a mysterious “self-healing” coating on the back cover. Although LG never released specific details about the technology, the phone reportedly included a coating of hydrogen atoms that rearranged themselves at equal distances when scratched.
Furthermore, other companies like Motorola have filed patents for similar technologies, including a screen made from a “shape memory polymer” that could repair itself when exposed to heat. Moreover, Apple has also filed patents for a flexible display capable of automatically healing itself from damage.
Still no self-healing smartphone already?
Despite these innovations and patents, a commercially viable self-healing display has yet to hit the market. This is due to the significant barriers surrounding the technology, such as significant investments in research and development, effective marketing, and consumer education.
2023-10-13 15:05:24