Apparently, Samsung is closer to releasing a flexible smartphone than any other tech company. Their device with a code name Galaxy X has already been certified. Obviously, Apple, the biggest Samsung competitor, couldn’t just let it slide. What’s more, according to some sources, the Cupertino company already started working on a flexible iPhone in cooperation with LG.
The sources mention that LG Display was asked to design a flexible OLED display for the future Apple smartphone, while another LG subsidiary, LG Innotek, created a team to work on flexible components for the device. The production of such displays should start in 2020, so the flexible iPhone will be released after the Samsung smartphone (expected in 2018).
The choice of LG as a partner can be explained – Apple is cautious about the production process. Right now, Samsung is the main supplier of OLED displays for iPhone X but the flexible iPhone will definitely have a few brand-new features, so Apple doesn’t want these secrets to be leaked to the main competitor.
As a reminder, Apple already filed a patent for a flexible iPhone last year. The description was quite interesting: the body will be made from metal, ceramics or glass, and flexibility will be possible due to carbon nanotubes integrated in most parts of the smartphone including cables, boards, display, sensors and body.
