Samsung is diving deeper into the future of flexible displays with a new rollable smartphone concept, according to a recently uncovered U.S. design patent. The patent, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), showcases a device with a screen that extends vertically, hinting at a fresh approach to maximizing screen real estate without the bulk of traditional foldables. While patents don’t always materialize into consumer products, this filing signals Samsung’s continued experimentation beyond its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.
An image included in the patent depicts a sleek device with a mechanism that allows the display to roll outward from the top, suggesting a compact form factor that could expand for media viewing or multitasking. This follows Samsung Display’s earlier tease of its “Flex Hybrid” concept at CES 2022, which combined foldable and slidable screen technologies. As The Verge reported, the company has long been exploring hybrid designs, but a rollable phone would mark a bold new direction.
The move comes as competitors ramp up their own flexible display efforts. Motorola recently revived its retro Razr line with a rollable-screen prototype showcased at MWC 2023, offering a tactile glimpse into the technology’s potential. Meanwhile, Oppo’s X 2021 concept, unveiled in 2020, demonstrated a horizontally expanding rollable display, though it never reached consumers. Samsung’s patent, however, suggests a vertical orientation, which could differentiate it in a crowded market.
Leaks add fuel to the speculation. A recent report from Domoai.app claims Samsung is already prototyping a vertical rollable device, targeting a 2025 release. Industry analysts caution that engineering hurdles remain, particularly around durability and cost. Rollable screens require complex internal mechanisms to prevent dust ingress and screen creasing—issues Samsung has tackled with its foldables but could intensify with rolling parts.
“The appeal is obvious: a phone that fits in your pocket but unfolds into a small tablet,” says tech analyst Maria Chen. “But making it reliable enough for daily use is the real challenge.” If successful, Samsung could pioneer a new category, blending the portability of its Flip series with the expansive screens of the Fold.
With no official confirmation from Samsung, the rollable phone remains speculative. Yet, as the patent and leaks suggest, the race to redefine smartphone design is far from over—and Samsung isn’t sitting on the sidelines.
