LG unveils stretchable display that can expand like rubber band

LG said that it has developed a stretchable display with  “rubber band like flexibility”  expanding the potential of flexible displays in wearables, mobility and gaming. 

According to LG, the display is based on a thin film type substrate made of a silicon used in contact lenses. Its stretchable characteristic allows it to be stretched from its original 12-inch dimensions to up to 14-inch.

LG claims that the display’s S-shaped wires spring system allows it to withstand over 10,000 repetitive changes, indicating that it is as durable and reliable as foldable screens used in smartphones and tablets.

The display uses micro-LED for light source and has a pixel density of less than 40μm. Higher pixel density means higher resolution, which translates into better visual experience. 

The South Korean company further said that the new display offers “next-level versatility for various daily scenarios” and can be attached on to any curved surface including skin, a piece of clothing or furniture. 

“We will successfully complete this project to enhance the competitiveness of Korean display technology while continuing to lead the industry’s paradigm shift,” Soo-young Yoon, Executive Vice President and CTO, LG Display said in a blog post. 

After the initial scepticism over durability and early damage due to frequent folds, interest in new forms of flexible displays has been growing among users. Samsung claims to have sold over a million units of its foldable smartphones last year.  Apple too is working on iPhones with foldable screen. 

According to market researcher Canalys, shipment of foldable smartphones is expected to surpass 30 million by 2024 up from 8.9 million in 2021.  

Like foldable screens, rollable screens are also getting mainstream attention. 

LG’s rollable TVs, which use OLED panel that can curl back and forth into the TV stand, are available in several markets including India. 

In September, Samsung in partnership with Intel also showcased a slidable PC, with a 13-inch screen that can be expanded to 17-inch.