What is the next frontier for smartphone display technology after curved screens?

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Foldable displays represent the next frontier in smartphone technology beyond curved screens.

The development of foldable displays is positioned as the subsequent major advancement in smartphone screen technology, following the widespread adoption of curved displays. Samsung is reportedly targeting a 2019 release for its foldable smartphone, potentially named the Galaxy X, with user experience being a primary challenge to commercialisation. Prototypes featuring a 7.3-inch foldable screen, demonstrating both inward and outward folding designs, have been showcased to select partners.
Foldable Display as the Next Evolution

Curved displays have become a standard feature on many of Samsung's flagship devices, signalling a shift towards more advanced screen functionalities. The industry is now looking towards foldable displays as the next significant innovation, promising a new form factor for smartphones. This evolution moves beyond simply bending the edges of a screen to enabling the entire display to be folded.
Samsung's Anticipated Foldable Phone

Samsung's exploration into foldable technology has been ongoing, with the company now planning to introduce its foldable smartphone, possibly branded as the Galaxy X, in 2019. This timeline represents a delay from earlier expectations, with the company focusing on refining the user experience to ensure a successful commercial launch. The production of such devices is anticipated to commence by the end of the year.
User Experience as a Key Hurdle

DJ Koh, head of Samsung's mobile division, has identified user experience (UX) as the most significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of foldable smartphones. Overcoming this challenge is crucial for the technology's commercial viability, as it moves beyond the technical capability of producing flexible screens to making them truly useful and appealing to consumers. Samsung's past experience with devices like the Galaxy Round and Galaxy Note Edge, which experimented with curved displays, informed their development of current dual-curved screens.
Prototype Demonstrations and Design Approaches

At CES 2018, Samsung reportedly presented foldable smartphone prototypes with 7.3-inch screens to select partners. These demonstrations included both "infolding" and "outfolding" designs. The infolding concept, which folds inward, is believed to be easier to produce and may be prioritised for initial manufacturing, with production potentially starting as early as November. The outfolding design, while offering a different user interaction, may require more advanced manufacturing due to durability concerns associated with its more pronounced curvature.

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What is the next frontier for smartphone display technology after curved screens?

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