Although LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, the company continues to innovate in electronics and display technologies. At the LG Science Park in South Korea, LG unveiled a groundbreaking stretchable display prototype that can stretch up to 50% its size without compromising functionality.
This new prototype represents a significant advancement over the version LG demonstrated in 2022. The stretchable display can now endure up to 10,000 stretches without losing performance, making it one of the most durable and flexible screen technologies to date. Dubbed the Free-Form display, this technology allows the screen to stretch, fold, and twist, offering unprecedented versatility in display design.
The current prototype measures 12 inches but can expand to an impressive 18 inches. While its pixel density is 100ppi—lower than the 300ppi or higher commonly found in modern smartphones—the focus of this technology is on flexibility and durability rather than high-resolution visuals.
LG has revealed that the stretchable display uses silicon substrates similar to those found in contact lenses, contributing to its flexibility. The display is powered by a micro-LED light source, ensuring consistent image quality under various temperature conditions.
The potential applications for stretchable screens are vast. These displays, which are ultra-thin, lightweight, and capable of being affixed to curved or uneven surfaces like clothing or skin, could transform industries. In one demonstration, LG integrated the display into a firefighter’s suit to display real-time information. Another example showed a convex vehicle screen that could be controlled by hand gestures. These innovations could revolutionize sectors such as wearable tech, automotive interfaces, and safety equipment.
While the technology is still in its prototype stage, it represents a major leap forward in display innovation. It may be some time before stretchable screens appear in consumer products, but LG’s latest development offers a glimpse into the future of display technology.