It’s been long enough since LG’s rollable smartphone was smothered in the crib that Samsung is thinking about taking a shot at it. At least, that’s the word according to Korean news outlet Money Today, which reckons that the South Korean giant is targeting 2028 for its own rollable.
It’s not like Samsung hasn’t been trying all sorts of design changes to keep its smartphone empire feeling fresh. It’s not like the company has anywhere to go in terms of hardware, especially now. Something gimmicky… probably sounds pretty good right about now.
Samsung on a roll?
The Money Today report has a few details to go along with its unconfirmed timeline. The smartphone maker will create a rollable version of its OLED panels, something it has been experimenting with. A company source is quoted as saying, “Internally, we are developing a rollable phone with a target launch date in the first half of 2028, and there is a high possibility that Samsung Display panels will be adopted.” (via Google Translate).
Samsung is reportedly working on the Z Slide (a codename, apparently), which will feature a 10in display. Presumably this is what the rollable phone eventually expands to, rather than being something you’re expected to tuck into your pocket. A successor is also supposed to be in the works for around 2030.
The Galaxy Fold’s first launch has taught Samsung a few lessons. The company’s first tri-fold smartphone has only launched in limited numbers so far. A rollable device would likely see a similar rollout to test the waters and iron out any kinks.
Without Samsung’s official confirmation, we’re stuck with the report for now. It sounds like something the company would do, but we’ll likely only start seeing concepts and visual leaks from 2027. At a push, we might see something in December this year that’ll say whether Samsung is hitting the gas or brakes on this concept.
