Foldable displays: a major breakthrough in display technology

As the demand for smartphones continues to increase, how are foldable displays revolutionizing the display ecosystem?

The recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for smartphones owing to the proliferation of 5G networks and internet usage; advancements and increased integration of technologies such as AI; and the shift to a mobile-first lifestyle due to increasing trend of mobile payments and remote working. In recent times, the emergence and growing adoption of foldable displays have revolutionized the display industry as they effectively address the consumer demand for large-sized displays in small form factors. Furthermore, with the emergence of market players offering foldable smartphones at competitive prices is expected to significantly boost the demand for foldable displays in the near future.

The surge in 5G mobile subscriptions

According to the Ericsson Mobility Report June 2024, the total 5G mobile subscriptions increased from 164 million in 2020 to 2,168 million in 2024. Increased adoption of 5G networks is a major driver for the smartphone market, thereby providing an opportunity for foldable displays.

OLED: The cornerstone of foldable displays

Currently OLED displays are extensively used for the development of foldable displays. OLED displays offer several advantages such as improved contrast ratio, superior viewing angle, and fast response time. Furthermore, OLED displays are highly flexible, which facilitates their usage in devices with various shapes and form factors. Currently, OLED displays account for almost all the displays in the foldable display market. However, in recent years, advancements in display technologies and the emergence of new technologies such as micro-LED are also expected to provide ample growth opportunities in the foldable display ecosystem.

What’s next for foldable displays?

As of now, foldable displays are mainly used in smartphones, laptops, and tablets. However, in the next decade, the advancements in display technologies may lead to the development of technologies that facilitate the usage of foldable displays for various form factors. In recent times, companies have started developing foldable displays using micro-LED and direct-view LED display technologies. Such advancements may facilitate the development of foldable display solutions with improved color accuracy, efficiency, and brightness.

Conclusion

Foldable display is a major breakthrough in the display industry as they effectively fulfil the consumer demand for large displays in small form factors. Moreover, the increased requirement to multitask in smartphones, and increased media consumption and gaming have presented a perfect avenue for the adoption of foldable displays. In the next decade, the emergence of innovative display technologies would facilitate the use of foldable displays in various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the emergence of market players offering foldable display solutions at lower prices is also expected to provide growth opportunities for companies across all stages of the supply chain.

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been actively tracking the Display landscape with a particular emphasis around publishing research studies on high-growth and trending technologies.

Some of the recently published studies within the Display ecosystem include:

• Commercial Touch Display
• Industrial IOT Display
• Interactive Display
• Electronic Shelf Labels
• Digital Signage
• Microdisplay