Samsung is developing a foldable smartphone with a rollable screen, expected to launch in the first half of 2028. The device, currently in prototype stage, features a 10-inch rollable OLED display that combines foldable and slidable capabilities.
Seven Years of Foldables
Samsung launched the first commercial foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series, over seven years ago. Since then, design innovation has been limited, with incremental updates rather than radical changes.
Rollable Display Innovation
To push boundaries, Samsung is collaborating with its in-house Samsung Display division to integrate a rollable OLED screen into a future smartphone. This technology was showcased at CES as 'Flex Hybrid', demonstrating a display that can extend and retract.
Prototype Development
The company is finalising a prototype with a 10-inch rollable screen, offering both foldable and slidable capabilities for versatile use. This allows the device to function as a compact phone when rolled up and as a larger tablet when extended.
Launch Timeline
The rollable-screen phone is expected to debut in the first half of 2028, following the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 series launch in July 2024. The Galaxy Z Fold8 series, launching later this month, may include two variants—a standard Fold8 and an Ultra model—alongside the Galaxy Z Flip8.
Upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8
The Galaxy Z Fold8 series is set to launch around July 22, 2024. This launch will precede the rollable phone by several years, indicating Samsung's long-term roadmap for foldable innovation.
