LG Rollable That Rolls Up, Is Its Release Ultimately Canceled?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] LG Electronics, which is considering withdrawing from the smartphone business, is reported to have halted the development of the 'LG Rollable' phone with a rollable screen. The possibility of the product's release being canceled has increased significantly.

According to industry sources on the 23rd, LG Electronics reportedly notified China's BOE, which has been developing the core display components for the rollable phone, to stop all three related projects last month. This is interpreted as part of LG Electronics' comprehensive review of its mobile business restructuring, including potential sales, this year. It is also reported that some personnel involved in developing the LG Rollable within LG Electronics have been transferred to other departments.

The LG Rollable was an ambitious new form factor prepared by LG Electronics. It was briefly showcased through a video at the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition, CES 2021, in January, attracting attention. The concept of a screen that rolls up and unfolds into a large display received positive reviews both domestically and internationally.

However, shortly after, LG Electronics announced that it was reviewing options such as selling, partially selling, or maintaining its mobile (MC) business unit, which has been operating at a loss for several years, leading to a reversal of the situation. The uncertainty surrounding the rollable phone's release, initially expected within the first quarter following the teaser video, has sharply increased.

Most industry observers believe that the rollable phone's release has become practically difficult as LG Electronics instructed partners like China's BOE to halt related projects. The recent filing of rollable design patents by LG Electronics is also interpreted as an effort to increase its valuation in preparation for a sale. LG Electronics stated, "It is difficult to confirm matters related to BOE."

The MC Business Division, responsible for LG Electronics' smartphone business, has recorded operating losses for 23 consecutive quarters since the second quarter of 2015, with cumulative operating losses reaching approximately 5 trillion won by the end of last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.