Foldable devices have evolved considerably since the initial challenges faced by the first-generation Galaxy Fold. Notably, the Galaxy Fold encountered significant issues with reviewers, leading to a delay for Samsung to make necessary construction changes.
Despite this setback, the subsequent iterations have experienced smoother developments. Samsung asserts that its foldable devices can endure a minimum of 200,000 folding and unfolding cycles, equivalent to over 100 daily uses for five years. However, there is always room for improvement, and it appears that Samsung is gearing up for enhancements with the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.
Recently, the Dutch website GalaxyClub uncovered a patent filing submitted by Samsung Display to the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), seeking to trademark the term “Ironflex.” While the details are limited, the trademark is associated with a “foldable OLED display panel” and a “foldable smartphone.”
Additionally, there is potential for expansion to other devices, as terms like “foldable wearable,” “foldable computer,” and “foldable tablet” are mentioned in the designated goods column. Despite Samsung teasing prototypes hinting at long-term foldable ambitions for laptops and tablets, the focus remains on phones, and the Ironflex trademark suggests a commitment to more resilient foldable screens in the next generation.
One specific area of improvement that Samsung is addressing is dust resistance, a feature currently lacking in the company’s foldable devices. Samsung’s head of mobile, TM Roh, acknowledged consumer demand for dust-proofing and mentioned ongoing efforts to achieve it. However, due to the intricate nature of foldables with numerous moving parts, achieving effective dust-proofing is a challenging task.
Regarding the Ironflex trademark, there is a possibility that it may not represent a significant upgrade compared to existing technologies. Samsung, like other companies, might be employing grand-sounding trademarks to highlight even modest improvements and potentially counter any lingering doubts about the reliability of foldable phones. The specifics of Ironflex’s enhancements may remain undisclosed for some time. Although Samsung is expected to host an event on January 17, it is likely to focus on the Galaxy S24 flagship, and based on historical patterns, the next batch of foldable devices may not be unveiled until the fall.
