LG Stretch Screen: Rotate or Stretch It Without Distorting the Image

Imagine pulling a phone with a 12-inch screen from your pocket and stretching it to 18 inches. That's exactly what LG's new stretchable display promises.

A highly flexible smartphone that can be stretched and twisted like a piece of modeling clay? This may seem impossible, but LG doesn't think so. The Korean company recently unveiled the world's first phone display that can not only fold but also rotate and stretch. LG describes this new technology as "the ultimate in display innovation."

In videos from the launch, presenters demonstrate the screen's adaptability, stretching it in all directions. According to LG, the display can be "freely transformed into any shape," allowing you to fold, twist, or stretch it without causing damage. Specifically, the screen size can be expanded from 12 to 18 inches—a 50% increase in size.

This isn't LG's first foray into flexible displays. The brand showcased a similar prototype in early 2022, but that model could only stretch by 20%. What's truly revolutionary is that deforming this display doesn't distort the image. LG claims that by using a micro-LED light source as small as 40 micrometers, the screen is both durable and capable of withstanding over 10,000 stretches. This means phones with this display could be compact enough to fit in a pocket but could expand to become a small tablet when needed.

Beyond mobile devices, LG envisions broader uses for this stretchable display technology. From wearable tech in fashion to dynamic displays in advertising, LG believes this innovation can transform how screens are integrated into our everyday lives. Imagine a wristband that could stretch into a small screen for quick access to messages, or retail displays that adapt in size and shape to better capture customer attention. The possibilities are endless, and LG sees potential for these stretchable screens in various industries.

In a further demonstration, LG showed the display integrated into a 3D interactive car interface that changes shape in response to user input. This application hints at exciting uses for the technology in the automotive industry, where screens could adapt in real time to provide drivers with more intuitive and interactive controls. As LG continues to refine this innovation, it could open doors to a new generation of devices that adapt seamlessly to users' needs.