A new report from South Korea suggests that Samsung is aiming to release its first rollable smartphone within the first half of 2028. The news, published by Money Today and picked up by SamMobile, adds weight to long-standing rumors about a device that expands its screen by unrolling a flexible OLED panel. If realized, the product could mark a turning point for the smartphone industry, currently dominated by foldable and traditional form factors.
A bet on rollable OLED technology
Samsung Display, the group's panel-making division, has showcased rollable display prototypes at various tech fairs since 2020. These panels allow the visible screen area to extend from a compact form to a larger one, similar to a tablet, without the visible creases typical of foldable phones. The main technical challenge lies in mechanical durability and wear protection, areas Samsung has reportedly been working on for years. The company has filed numerous patents for sliding mechanisms and sealing methods, suggesting the project is in an advanced stage.
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The expandable smartphone market
A rollable device could redefine user expectations, offering a larger screen without increasing pocket size. Currently, only a few manufacturers like LG and TCL have shown similar concepts, but none have yet launched a commercial product at scale. Samsung, leveraging its experience with the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, aims to replicate the success of foldables in the rollable segment. However, the 2028 launch window indicates the technology still needs refinement, particularly regarding panel cost and resistance to dust and moisture.
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The news comes amid a tech landscape affected by new European regulations, which have prompted OpenAI to tighten API access in Europe and Google to warn about potential data risks due to new EU rules. These developments highlight how hardware innovation must navigate an evolving regulatory environment.
For more on rollable display technology, see the Wikipedia page on rollable displays, which offers a historical and technical overview.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/samsungs-rollable-phone-2028-possible-launch-3682274
