LG unveils world’s first truly stretchable display

LG Display has potentially redefined “flexible” displays with the unveiling of a prototype for the world’s first truly stretchable display. This innovative screen can expand by 50% without compromising image quality.

The prototype features a 12-inch screen that stretches to 18 inches while maintaining a high resolution of 100 pixels per inch and full RGB color.

This isn’t LG’s first attempt at creating a stretchable display. The company showcased a prototype in 2022, though it had a maximum elongation rate of just 20%.

LG’s stretchable display is truly unique. Described as the “ultimate display technology,” these displays can transform, twist, and stretch into various shapes, unlike current flexible displays that only bend or fold. This opens doors to a plethora of innovative applications across diverse sectors.

The development is part of a national project spearheaded by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, launched in 2020. LG Display leads the consortium of 19 research institutes involved in the project.

While the initial target was a 20% elongation rate, the team successfully doubled it through novel technologies. These include a special silicon substrate material commonly used in contact lenses and a groundbreaking approach to display wiring.

Durability is another key feature. LG Display claims the prototype can withstand repeated stretching up to 10,000 times. Additionally, the display employs a micro-LED light source measuring just 40 micrometers. This ensures consistent image quality even in challenging environments with extreme temperatures or external shocks.