LG’s new retractable screen patent could be the future of folding screen smartphones

Variable displays have just come into play in the tech world and while we have a few commercially available options at our disposal like the Huawei Mate X, the Samsung Galaxy Fold, and the recently launched Moto Razr 2019, none of these designs or phones is perfect as of now.

That could change quickly with the newer design patents that have been surfacing on the web recently. The newest addition to these is LG’s new retractable screen patent that when contracted looks like any regular phone that maintains its thickness but can be retracted like an ancient scroll to reveal a tablet-sized display.

LG previously applied for a similar patent two years ago but this one has more emphasis on the design element. This could mean the newer design could actually be made into a real device sooner or later. LG registered the patent with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) on February 27, 2019, and the patent was published on November 15, 2019, along with 11 images that showcase the phone design from every angle.

The design reveals some key details, the housing on the sides of the phone are thick and are obviously where the folded screen real-estate is stored. The device also features very thin bezels on the sides and no notch on the top. It is still not clear where the camera and other elements will be placed on the device.

The device’s symmetrical design is a refreshing touch to the regular folding screens we have seen so far. We really hope this one gets turned into a real product by LG soon.