Smartphones with ‘self-healing’ displays will arrive within five years, analysts predict

Smartphone users rejoice! Analyst firm CCS Insight predicts that by 2028, we could see the introduction of smartphones with displays capable of repairing themselves. This groundbreaking technology is expected to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices and eliminate the frustration of dealing with scratched screens.

The concept behind these “self-healing” displays involves incorporating a special “nano coating” on the surface of the screen. When the display gets scratched, this coating reacts with the air and creates a new material that fills in the imperfection. While it may sound like something out of science fiction, CCS Insight assures us that this technology is indeed feasible.

LG, the South Korean consumer electronics giant, was one of the first companies to explore self-healing technology back in 2013. Their smartphone, the G Flex, featured a vertically curved screen and a self-healing coating on the back cover. Although the exact workings of the technology were not disclosed at the time, it sparked interest and paved the way for further advancements.

Other companies have also dabbled in self-healing materials for smartphones. Motorola, for instance, filed a patent in 2017 for a screen made from a “shape memory polymer” that repairs itself when cracked. Apple, too, secured a patent for a folding iPhone with a display cover that fixes itself when damaged. However, despite these exciting developments, commercially successful handsets with self-repairing displays are yet to hit the market.

While the potential for self-healing displays is promising, there are still a few barriers to overcome before they can be mass-produced. Extensive investment in research and development is required to identify new innovations in smartphone screens. Additionally, companies need sufficient funds for marketing and selling these phones in large volumes, as well as educating consumers about the extent of the self-repair capabilities.

One concern raised by CCS Insight’s analysts is the possibility of tech enthusiasts putting these self-healing displays to the test with sharp objects. However, it’s important to note that the purpose of self-healing technology is to address minor cosmetic scratches, not major damage caused by accidents.

In the world of smartphone display technology, innovation knows no bounds. Motorola recently unveiled a rollable concept smartphone that extends vertically when pushed upward, while Samsung has made significant progress with its folding Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 phones, capable of enduring hundreds of thousands of folds over their lifetime.

In addition to the exciting developments in self-repairing displays, CCS Insight also predicts that Taiwanese tech giant HTC may exit the virtual reality (VR) industry by 2026. HTC, once a pioneer in the smartphone market, has shifted its focus to the merging of virtual and physical worlds. However, dwindling revenues and fierce competition from companies like Meta, Sony, and Apple have made it challenging for HTC to stay afloat in the VR market.

On the other hand, Apple is expected to take a different approach to combat the growing popularity of second-hand smartphones. CCS Insight suggests that Apple may seek more control over the second-hand market by encouraging customers to trade in their devices directly with the company. This would help prevent the sales of used iPhones from denting the demand for new ones. Apple could also introduce a “verified” system for grading refurbished iPhones, promoting the sale of high-quality second-hand devices and contributing to the circular economy.

With these exciting predictions and advancements in the smartphone industry, it’s clear that technology continues to push boundaries and enhance our everyday lives. The future of smartphones is looking brighter than ever, with self-healing displays and other innovative features on the horizon.