LG killed its smartphones 5 years ago, but the ‘Rollable’ feels more real than ever [Video]

Five years ago, LG Mobile announced the end of its smartphone business, marking a significant chapter in the tech industry. Despite the company’s decision to exit the market, the legacy of its innovative ideas lives on, particularly with the “Rollable” concept. This past weekend, as the 5-year anniversary of LG’s smartphone death loomed, new footage of the “Rollable” emerged, offering a glimpse into a device that was remarkably close to being realized.

The “Rollable” was LG’s ambitious attempt to redefine the smartphone experience with a foldable screen. The prototype, which was developed around 2018, featured a unique mechanism that allowed the display to expand or contract, transforming the device into a larger tablet-like form or a more compact, pocket-friendly size. The technology behind the “Rollable” was groundbreaking, leveraging LG’s expertise in display manufacturing to create a flexible OLED screen that could withstand repeated folding and unfolding.

As the new footage reveals, the “Rollable” was not just a concept sketch but a fully functional prototype. The device showcased a seamless transition between its two modes, with the screen folding smoothly and maintaining its clarity and responsiveness. The interface was designed to adapt to the changing screen size, offering a dynamic user experience that took full advantage of the device’s unique form factor.

LG’s decision to abandon its smartphone business in 2018 was a result of financial pressures and fierce competition from rivals like Samsung and Huawei. The company’s smartphone division had been struggling for years, with losses mounting and market share dwindling. In the face of these challenges, LG chose to focus on its core areas of strength, such as home appliances and electronics, leaving the smartphone market to its competitors.

Despite LG’s exit, the “Rollable” concept remains a testament to the company’s innovative spirit. The prototype’s existence highlights the potential of foldable screens, a technology that has since become mainstream with the success of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and the Huawei Mate X. The “Rollable” was ahead of its time, showcasing a level of engineering that many believed was years away from commercialization.

The emergence of the “Rollable” footage also raises questions about what might have been. Had LG continued to develop and refine the technology, it could have played a pivotal role in the foldable smartphone market. The device’s unique design and advanced display technology could have set it apart from competitors and captured a significant share of the market.

Today, as the smartphone industry continues to evolve, the legacy of LG’s “Rollable” serves as a reminder of the company’s contributions to the tech landscape. While LG may have exited the smartphone business, its innovative ideas and technological advancements continue to inspire and shape the future of mobile devices. The “Rollable” remains a symbol of LG’s vision and ambition, proving that even in the face of adversity, innovation can endure.