Samsung aims to democratize foldable phones and spread their popularity worldwide through the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip lineups. However, the company also has a similar vision concerning foldable displays for other device categories. Samsung Display wants foldable technology to eventually be used by different devices across the technological landscape, including tablets, laptops, and PC monitors.
The idea is not new, as Samsung Display has been experimenting with foldable panels in various applications for many years. Nevertheless, Samsung hasn't given up on the concept and reaffirmed its vision to popularize foldable display technology during the Display Technology Blueprint Presentation hosted by the Korea Display Industry Association on February 21. The company reemphasized that it wants foldable displays to power devices such as tablets, laptops, and monitors. (via GDNet Korea)
Customers want small, light, and powerful devices
During the recent presentation at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Samsung Display Vice President Sung-Chan Jo explained that mobile phones used to be like heavy bricks. Now, however, they've become slimmer and lighter, and foldable phones are pushing this trend further, as they allow for larger screens in smaller form factors.
The Samsung VP added that a similar trend is now happening across other device industries, including tablets, laptops, and monitors. Although people working from home during COVID lockdowns didn't care much about portability, the trend is changing. Now that people no longer stay in one place and work from home, “small and light is the trend,” the VP said.
After foldable phones, foldable tablets might be next in line, assuming foldable laptops don't gain more traction. Samsung has been working on a 17-inch foldable laptop since at least 2021. It's no secret, and the company officially revealed concepts of a foldable laptop to get its vision across to fans.
Samsung Display even developed a prototype called Flex Note, which the company showcased at CES 2022. Check out the video below for a closer look.
As to when a Samsung foldable laptop might hit the market, it's unclear. But a couple of months ago, industry watchers predicted that Samsung Display would enter the foldable laptop segment before the end of 2023.
