The phone manufacturers bet that the folding phones have a flexible appeal
The phone manufacturers bet that the folding phones have a flexible appeal
They have sought patents for folding models, which would mark the biggest design change in flat rectangular slabs that have been ubiquitous since the beginning of the era of smartphones a decade ago. At least two companies-
and Huawei Technologies Co., have confirmed plans to launch phones with folding screens; Huawei is targeting a launch for next year.
The smartphone companies believe that such innovation is necessary to stop a slowdown in sales linked in part to a cycle of device replacement that is lengthened. These days, consumers see less need to update for incremental annual improvements in software, screen quality and camera capacity.
In addition, the creation of larger screens that do not take up a lot of space in a purse or pocket is urgent as service providers implement next-generation 5G wireless networks, which accelerates the boom in video consumption, virtual reality and other visually attractive elements. media.
However, first, smartphone manufacturers must overcome some challenges, such as developing a device flexible enough to fold in half that does not compromise screen quality and durability. Other obstacles include supply chain limitations for the materials required, higher construction costs and the last commercial question: Will consumers want these phones?
"It will take several years to convince consumers that these foldable phone factors will bring good benefits, a better experience," said Jusy Hong, smart phone analyst at IHS Markit. In any case, "the smart phone market has matured and we need something new."
In 2017, smartphone shipments fell 1% to 1.47 billion units, the first decline in history year-round, according to IDC, a market research firm that tracks screen manufacturers.
Since the first iPhone was launched in 2007, phones have advanced much more in terms of performance and software, but the basic aspect remains the same. Innovations such as edge-to-edge screen viewing, which is now the standard for high-end devices, including the iPhone X, have not altered the underlying design.
That stasis is in contrast to the early days of the cell phone, when the models came in many shapes and sizes, from sliding phones to "clamshell" models that opened and closed, as well as others that included real keyboards.
Last year, Chinese device manufacturer
ZTE
Corp.
published a phone with a folding screen called the Axon M. The device, which had two screens separated by a hinge, sold badly and the screen was criticized by critics.
According to patent applications, telephone companies have prepared different designs to make the technology work. In March, Huawei filed a patent application for a smartphone with a continuous screen on a book-type hinge. Apple has filed a series of patent applications for a folding device, including one that has a sketch for a device that collapses in a Z-shaped battery. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Chinese rivals Oppo Electronics Corp., Vivo Electronics Corp. and
Lenovo Group
Limited.
They have sought patents with local authorities for devices that close like a book or a wallet. And Samsung plans to introduce a device with a folding screen early next year, according to comments to the Wall Street Journal people familiar with the subject in July.
Oppo and Vivo spokesmen declined to comment. A Lenovo spokesman said the company "can not disclose detailed information." A Samsung spokesman said that "at this time, we have nothing to share about future devices."
Currently, only a few companies are able to build highly technical folding screens. They include Samsung's screen manufacturing division and
LG screen
Co.
, as well as China's
BOE Technology
Co.
000725 2.55%
said Anabelle Hsu, senior research manager at IDC.
BOE is working with Huawei on its folding device, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Folding phones require a screen panel different from those found on most smartphones. While most smartphones use a type of liquid crystal display or LCD, a folding device probably uses a more flexible active matrix organic light-emitting diode, or AMOLED display, industry analysts said. The technology, which is already used for iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S phones, is more expensive than the LCD screen.
The material is also harder to get. Samsung's screen manufacturing division supplies 95% of AMOLED displays for smartphones used today, said Mr. Hong of IHS.
The folding screen must also be durable enough to open and close repeatedly over the life of a phone. In addition, these phones may require a more powerful battery and a significant modification of the internal hardware of the device to adapt to the redesign.
And then there is the sale price. Although many buyers are no longer resistant to the $ 1,000 price tags for high-end smartphones, Mr. Hong hopes that the first generation of folding devices will retail at nearly double.
The market for folding phones remains uncertain, as devices with large screens are already widely available in the form of tablets and PCs. And as concerns about the overuse of gadgets increase, it's not clear Consumers will continue to embrace Devices that monopolize more and more attention.
"It seems inevitable that companies try different things until someone clicks the right button," said Stephen Temple, visiting professor at the University of Surrey in the US. UU., That has compiled mobile phone designs over the years.
-Zhou Wei contributed to this article.
Write to Dan Strumpf in daniel.strumpf@wsj.com
.
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