Google expected to release its first folding phone in collaboration with Samsung Display
Samsung’s folding devices will soon see their third iteration with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 phones, and, even though the flexible display market is still in its infancy as only a few phone makers are offering this technology, it looks like things have progressed well enough to allow for a greater adoption rate. Now, the folding screens integrated in Samsung’s phones are made by the separate entity called Samsung Display, which is also responsible for perfecting the ultra-thin glass (UTG) technology that better protects the flexible screens from breaking from repeated folding action. Seeing that things have improved quite a bit from the original folding screens launched back in 2019, Samsung Display now intends to expand its clientele and offer the UTG technology to other companies, accelerating the adoption of flexible displays.
According to Korean sources close to ETNews, the next major company to try its hand at folding phones would be Google, which is already eyeing a collaboration with Samsung Display in order to secure access to the UTG tech combined with the latest flexible OLED displays. It is not yet clear what type of folding display will be included with the upcoming Google foldable. Considering how innovative Google tends to be when breaking into new markets, we might see something completely different from the existing inward / outward folding screens or even the newer rollable designs.
Other companies are also expected to sign UTG deals with Samsung Display. Apple comes to mind here, as we have been hearing quite a few rumors about a foldable phone from the Cupertino giant. Samsung Display motivates this expansion decision explaining that Samsung Electronics may not be affected too much since it already has the competitive edge, being the first major company to release UTG displays in 2020.
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