World's First Rollable Smartphone Set For Release This Year

Most people assumed the phone was merely a concept, but those familiar with LG's plans confirmed to CNET that the Korean company may release the innovative phone later this year.

However, that's not the case for the LG Rollable, which will become the first smartphone of its kind to hit the market.

LG teased its roll-up phone at its CES 2021 event, a video briefly shows the device's screen retracting into the body. LG has not yet verified what screen technology Rollable uses or any details about the different screen sizes. However, it is not confirmed whether it will be a foldable phone or a rollable device.

According to Announced Previously ETNews featured a scrollable OLED panel on the phone, which would extend 6.8 to 7.4 inches. From that, there were speculations that the Rollable was a concept phone and not ready to be released.

First we saw them fold, now they're starting to roll.

TCL also showcased another concept of a much larger 17-inch rollable display. Taking a look at the video, it hints that the device may come with a highly reflective back.

TCL has even shown a couple of devices before, one horizontal and one vertical. So, a piece of good news here for those who hate thick smartphones. This initiative, which aims to "breathe new life into what makes a smartphone", was also responsible for the LG Wing, which boasts a second, hidden screen, that debuted last fall and also spearheaded the new design. It will be interesting to see what this year brings in terms of innovation. While we remain open-minded, it's hard to see this form factor appealing to the mainstream any more than foldy phones have, not least because it's bound to be really expensive.