Samsung Electronics is continuing its development of rollable smartphones, devices featuring an extendable screen, which are poised to succeed the Galaxy Z foldable models. The company has confirmed that a rollable lineup is in development, although precise commercialization timelines have not yet been established, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.
GalaxyClub has included a rollable model in its 2027 forecast, alongside upcoming foldable devices such as the Z Flip 9, Z Fold 9, Z Fold 9 Ultra, and TriFold 2. During a briefing after Galaxy Unpacked in London, Samsung Executive Vice President Moon Sung-hoon announced that commercialization is indeed planned, though he noted it would require time. A company spokesperson further clarified to the publication that while the device "is currently under development, a target release date has not yet been set."
A patent filed by Samsung in June 2023 details a design where the screen extends horizontally, with the camera positioned on a movable section of the device's body. This camera module retracts into a frame cutout when the device is closed, a design choice that could address the thickness issues often seen in current foldable models. Furthermore, leaks suggest the display might boast a diagonal measurement of approximately 10 inches, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of 440 pixels per inch.
Samsung Display has previously demonstrated prototypes such as Rollable Flex and Flex Hybrid, in addition to supplying rollable OLED panels for Lenovo laptops. Nevertheless, no rollable smartphone has reached the market thus far; comparable projects from LG and Chinese brands like Tecno, Huawei, and Oppo have not progressed beyond the concept phase.
Amidst the anticipated release of Apple's foldable iPhone in 2026 and Samsung's projected decline in foldable market share (from 40% to 32%, according to Counterpoint), the rollable format is being considered a strategy to retain market leadership. The new Z Fold 8 models are priced starting at $1899, while Apple's upcoming devices are expected to fall within the $2000–$2399 price range.
With confirmed specifications for the battery, processor, cameras, and an exact announcement date still unavailable, it remains premature to discuss any specific competitive advantages. Although Samsung holds an edge in the maturity of its foldable device technology, the rollable model is still in its development phase, lacking a defined release timeline.
