LG Display has unveiled a groundbreaking stretchable display that can expand by 50%, setting a new standard in the display industry. The prototype, showcased on November 8 at LG Science Park in Seoul,, features a 12-inch screen that can stretch up to 18 inches while maintaining a high resolution of 100 pixels per inch and vibrant RGB color. The event drew over 100 representatives from South Korean industry, academia, and research sectors involved in the national stretchable display project.
Stretchable displays are highly versatile, capable of bending, folding, and twisting freely to adapt to irregular surfaces such as clothing and skin. LG Display’s latest panel, which doubles the stretch rate of the original prototype introduced in 2022, holds great potential for applications in wearable technology, fashion, and automotive interfaces. Its enhanced stretchability and durability enable the display to withstand over 10,000 stretches while maintaining image clarity, even in extreme conditions.
The breakthrough is attributed to advanced materials and design enhancements, including a special silicon substrate inspired by contact lenses and a new wiring structure. Moreover, a micro-LED light source measuring up to 40 micrometers ensures durability and flexibility. This innovation aligns with LG Display’s dedication to developing core technologies for next-generation displays in partnership with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE).
Leading the project since 2020, LG Display has collaborated with 19 local industry and research organizations. By advancing this technology, LG Display aims to cultivate a sustainable display ecosystem and establish an R&D infrastructure that supports material and component localization. CTO Soo-young Yoon emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership within South Korea’s display sector, opening the door for competitive applications of stretchable displays across various industries.
Flexible displays have been around for some time, featuring in smartwatches, smartphones, and TVs. Major brands introduced devices with curved displays over a decade ago, such as the 2014 Samsung Gear S smartwatch, the 2013 LG Flex smartphone, and LG’s World’s first curved 3D OLED TV showcased at CES 2013.
Although curved TVs became nearly obsolete by 2021, curved smartwatches experienced a resurgence in 2019 and 2020 with products like the Nubia Alpha and the Amazfit X. Curved smartphones gave way to foldable models in 2018 and 2019, while curved displays found practical use in gaming monitors.
LG is constantly exploring mass-market applications for flexible and bendable displays. With groundbreaking innovations like the world’s first rollable OLED TV in 2019 and the first bendable 42-inch OLED TV in 2022, LG has likely inspired other brands like Lenovo, Motorola, and Samsung to showcase rollable and bendable displays for laptops, smartphones, and wrist-worn devices at international tradeshows in 2023 and 2024.
LG’s latest advancement pushes the boundaries of display technology, and we anticipate seeing exciting applications of this new technology in the near future.
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