LG Electronics has started mass production of its flexible smartphone displays, with plans to launch a curved screen device in November.
The South Korean electronics manufacturer has confirmed that it has started mass producing the “world’s first” flexible OLED panel for smartphones, following the launch of its 55-inch curved OLED TV earlier this year.
Build on plastic substrates rather than glass, the 6-inch flexible OLED panel is lighter than existing smartphone displays and is “unbreakable” and “bendable”.
“LG Display is launching a new era of flexible displays for smartphones with its industry-leading technology,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of LG Display, Dr Sang Deog Yeo. “The flexible display market is expected to grow quickly as this technology is expected to expand further into diverse applications including automotive displays, tablets and wearable devices.”
The display curves from top to bottom and could feature in the heavily rumoured LG G Flex smartphone. According to a “source familiar with the matter”, LG plans to launch the G Flex smartphone in November.
“Our goal is to take an early lead in the flexible display market by introducing new products with enhanced performance and differentiated designs next year.”
The statement from LG could also suggest that an LG-branded smartwatch could launch next year, with such a device having already been confirmed previously by LG Bulgaria.
Samsung is also reportedly beavering away on its own flexible screen smartphone, potentially a limited edition Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Active.
According to a Reuters source with “direct knowledge of the matter”, Samsung’s curved smartphone will arc from side to side, rather than top to bottom like the LG device.
“LG Display plans to advance flexible display technologies and bring innovation to consumers’ daily lives with the introduction of rollable and foldable displays in various sizes.”
Next, read our pick of the best Android smartphones of 2013.
