In recent years, foldable devices have taken the tech world by storm, combining portability with larger displays. From smartphones that unfold into tablets to laptops that transform into versatile productivity hubs, foldable devices have redefined our expectations of modern technology.
However, the horizon is expanding beyond foldables as manufacturers explore new form factors, including rollable displays, multi-fold devices, and ultra-thin smartphones. These innovations promise to offer users even greater flexibility, functionality, and style, paving the way for a transformative future in consumer electronics.
Rollable OLED Displays
Rollable OLED displays have emerged as an exciting evolution of display technology. Unlike foldables, which rely on hinges to transform their form, rollable devices use flexible displays that can extend or retract seamlessly. This approach not only enables sleek designs but also solves some of the limitations of foldable screens, such as visible creases and durability concerns.
Rollable TVs and Laptops
LG pioneered the rollable OLED movement with its 65-inch Signature OLED TV R, launched in 2019. This revolutionary TV could roll into its base, offering three viewing modes: full view, line view, and zero view.
Despite its innovation, the TV’s exorbitant $100,000 price tag limited its market reach, and LG discontinued the product in 2024. Nevertheless, the concept demonstrated the potential of rollable displays in transforming home entertainment.
In the laptop space, Samsung Display is set to mass-produce rollable OLED panels by April 2025, with Lenovo leading the charge. Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus G6 Rollable, showcased at CES 2025, features a 14-inch display that extends vertically to 16.7 inches.
This design enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing users to stack windows or view tall spreadsheets effortlessly. While priced at a premium $3,499, the ThinkBook Plus G6 marks a significant step toward making rollable laptops a reality.
Rollable Smartphones
Rollable smartphones are an exciting evolution in mobile technology, with companies like Samsung, Tecno, Oppo, and Motorola actively advancing their rollable projects. These brands have already showcased prototypes, aiming to bring the first rollable devices to market soon. These smartphones promise to combine large, tablet-sized displays with compact, pocket-friendly designs.
For instance, Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate boasts a rollable display that extends from 6.55 inches to 7.11 inches in just 1.3 seconds, while Samsung’s prototypes feature displays expanding beyond 12 inches with under-display cameras for a seamless design. As this technology evolves, rollable smartphones have the potential to revolutionize mobile computing by combining portability with expansive screen sizes.
Multi-Fold Devices
Multi-fold devices take the folding concept further by introducing multiple hinges, enabling devices to transform into various configurations. These innovations aim to maximize screen size while maintaining compact form factors, providing a new level of versatility.
Tri-Fold Smartphones
Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate Design, launched in September 2024, showcases the potential of tri-fold devices. With two hinges and a 10.2-inch display when fully unfolded, the Mate XT offers a tablet-like experience in a pocketable design. Despite durability concerns and a steep $2,800 price tag, Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone highlights the possibilities of multi-fold technology. Other manufacturers, such as Tecno and Samsung, are also developing tri-fold devices, with Samsung reportedly preparing to launch a tri-fold smartphone alongside its Galaxy Z Fold 7 in 2025.
Challenges and Opportunities
While multi-fold devices offer unmatched versatility, they also face significant challenges. The complexity of their designs increases the risk of wear and tear, particularly in the hinges and flexible displays. Additionally, the high production costs make these devices prohibitively expensive for most consumers. However, as manufacturing processes improve and economies of scale come into play, multi-fold devices could become more accessible, appealing to professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
Ultra-Thin Smartphones
The race for ultra-thin smartphones, reminiscent of past trends, is making a comeback in 2025. Companies like Samsung and Apple are leading this resurgence with devices that prioritize sleekness without compromising functionality.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Unveiled at the 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event, the Galaxy S25 Edge promises to be one of the thinnest smartphones ever, measuring just 6.4mm at its slimmest point. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the device combines performance with portability. Despite its compact design, the S25 Edge features a dual-camera setup and a 3,786mAh battery, demonstrating that thinness doesn’t have to come at the expense of usability. Scheduled for a May 2025 release, the S25 Edge aims to redefine premium smartphone design.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air
Apple is also exploring thinner designs with its rumored iPhone 17 Air. Expected to measure between 5.5mm and 6mm, this ultra-slim device could feature a 6.6-inch OLED display and Apple’s A19 chip. While the thinner profile may result in a smaller battery, Apple’s advancements in energy efficiency could offset this limitation. Positioned as a luxury product, the iPhone 17 Air reflects Apple’s strategy to appeal to style-conscious consumers.
The Appeal of Slim Devices
Ultra-thin smartphones offer a unique blend of style and portability, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics. However, achieving such slim designs requires innovation in battery technology, thermal management, and internal component layout. Manufacturers are leveraging advances in materials and engineering to overcome these challenges, ensuring that thinner devices still deliver robust performance and durability.
The Future of Smart Devices
As rollables, multi-fold designs, and ultra-thin devices enter the market, they signal a new era of innovation. These form factors are not merely technological novelties; they represent a shift toward more adaptable, user-centric designs. Whether for work, entertainment, or everyday tasks, the next generation of devices promises to enhance functionality while pushing the boundaries of portability and design.
With continuous advancements in materials, manufacturing, and software, these new form factors are set to become integral to our digital lives. The coming years will likely see these innovations mature, becoming more affordable and accessible to the masses, ultimately redefining what we expect from our devices.
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