Samsung is working on a new expandable display technology that utilizes a rolling mechanism, as per a new patent listing. It was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on May 27 and listed simply as an “Expandable display.”
The new Samsung patent looks similar to a previous rollable display patent
Samsung’s goal here is to eliminate the need for a secondary screen on foldable devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 3, thus offering more flexibility in terms of design. The patent filing was dug up by the folks at 91Mobiles, who also accessed a few images detailing how the new expandable display would function.
It seems eerily similar to the South Korean manufacturer’s rollable display concept, which was briefly showcased during Display Week 2022 last month. The new patent images illustrate how the display can extend from almost all sides. Since this tech is in its early stages, we can’t say for sure if this display will ever make it to a commercial phone. In any case, it’s exciting to know that Samsung is constantly working on upping the ante in the display industry.
In March, we came across a few concept images of a Samsung foldable based on a patent filed by the company. This new display bears an L-shape when unfolded, with the screen wrapping around the rear panel while folded. Moreover, this display could keep functioning even when wrapped around the back panel.
Another unofficial Samsung display concept reveals a phone with a wraparound display and S Pen
Another Samsung wraparound display concept made the headlines two weeks later. But it also had its own S Pen stylus and larger bezels on the top. This doesn’t make sense since most future phones are likely to use under-display cameras. But since these are just early concepts, we can’t be too critical of them.
For now, Samsung’s focus is firmly on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4. The two new foldables will likely break cover in August, with official availability commencing a month later. We’ve already learned quite a bit about the two foldables, but the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is expectedly more popular.
2022-06-03 15:06:48