Samsung’s long-awaited rollable smartphone could finally become a reality. A new report from South Korea claims the company is planning to introduce its first rollable phone in the first half of 2028.
According to unnamed industry sources, Samsung Display wants to take the lead in the rollable display market. The company is reportedly facing growing competition from Chinese display makers in the foldable segment. As a result, it is now shifting more attention toward rollable screen technology.
The report says Samsung Display is in talks with Samsung Electronics to supply rollable display panels for the upcoming smartphone. A Samsung Electronics official reportedly confirmed that discussions are taking place. However, Samsung has not announced the device publicly.
The upcoming smartphone may launch as the Galaxy Z Slide, according to the report. However, Samsung has also registered the Galaxy Z Roll trademark. Therefore, either name could be used when the device officially arrives.
A market research firm expects the phone to feature a 10-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 440.6 ppi pixel density. The same report also suggests that Samsung could release a successor in 2030.
Even so, building rollable displays remains more difficult than producing foldable screens. The design has greater structural complexity, making manufacturing more challenging.
Samsung Display has worked on rollable technology for several years. In 2023, the company showcased its first rollable display concepts. Since then, it has also supplied rollable display panels for Lenovo’s rollable laptops.
The report further claims Samsung Display currently has a strong advantage in the rollable display market. In contrast, BOE caught up with Samsung Display in foldable panels and even led the market during the first quarter of this year.
For now, Samsung Display appears to be well ahead of its rivals in rollable displays. Because of that lead, the company could dominate this new category during its early years. If Samsung Electronics moves forward with the project, rollable smartphones may finally become available to consumers after years of development.
