The South Korean giant would show renewed interest in the smartphone market. And, it would especially be on foldable screens that LG would set its sights.
If there is one manufacturer that is missing today in the field of smartphones, it is LG. Indeed, despite the design of notable devices such as the LG Gx range or even that of the Nexus 4 and 5, the Korean giant has decided to withdraw from this very competitive market in 2021. Thus leaving fans a little sheepish, and above all depriving us of UFOs as original as they are unconvincing, such as the LG Flex or LG Wing.
So, will we still be entitled to the big return of Samsung’s home rival one day? This possibility seems more real than ever, since LG has started filing new patents relating to smartphones. As noted MSPoweruserthe company would indeed be working (once again) on a new type of screen… foldable.
In a 14-page document published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the South Korean company describes a new type of screen that is more resistant to repeated folding. This would be possible by adding a rigid support structure, consisting of several layers of adhesives with different levels of curing.
Side view of LG’s new type of foldable screen // Source: LG
Top view of LG’s new type of foldable screen // Source: LG
This structure would adapt to the natural folds of the screen, so that it could still be easily folded. Ultimately, LG would be able to offer a more durable panel than what is currently offered, with fewer visible creases once the device is opened. So put an end to one of the biggest flaws of foldable smartphones.
A renewed interest in a growing market?
We’ll have to wait a bit before you can announce to the world that your next smartphone will be made by LG. A patent does not always turn into something concrete, and even more, nothing says that the company will use it to manufacture smartphones again. It is entirely possible that it is content to produce panels for other manufacturers, especially since this patent was filed by its screen division.
To go further
This unusual expandable screen can be stretched and twisted to increase its size
However, we can see a renewed interest on the part of LG for the smartphone market. The South Korean giant seems to be studying the subject closely, and especially more seriously than with its rollable smartphone prototype, the LG Rollable.
If the brand is focusing here on foldable smartphones, it is because, according to it, the public would have “ tend to prefer a portable display device with a large screen “. A conclusion that other manufacturers would also have drawn, as more and more of them are embarking on the adventure of folding smartphones in two, or even three, as suggested by recent rumors concerning Samsung.
All we have to do is remain patient to see what will really happen, and hope that LG does not make as bad a comeback as HTC with its U24 Pro.
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