Samsung patents rollable expanding smartphone display

Samsung has filed a patent for a new type of smartphone with a rollable, expanding display, signaling continued research into flexible form factors beyond its established foldable devices. The patent, originally filed in 2023 and published in May 2026, details a design where the phone’s screen can extend horizontally to increase its size.

The filing describes two core concepts. One shows a phone that resembles a standard model when closed but can stretch wider to offer a larger screen area. The other, more novel design features a display that retracts completely inside the body when not in use, theoretically protecting the flexible panel from damage. Sensors would track how far and how fast the screen is pulled out, allowing the software interface to adapt dynamically.

A key innovation in the patent is a movable rear camera module attached to the sliding portion of the device. This system is designed to keep the camera properly aligned as the phone expands and to address internal space constraints, potentially allowing for a thinner overall build compared to some current foldable phones. The mechanism aims to maintain structural stability and protect internal components during...