A new report from South Korean publication Elec suggests that LG is working to bring to market a device with a rollable display early next year. This device, codenamed ‘B Project’, is expected to launch with other smartphone offerings that include a successor to the Velvet mid-ranger and a flagship device that will likely serve as the successor to the V60 ThinQ 5G.
Just like the LG Wing, the rollable display-sporting device is reportedly being developed under the experimental Explorer Project. The phone will supposedly feature a display that can be extended in size by pulling out one of its sides, thanks to a rollable screen hidden in the chassis – akin to the technology used in the rollable TV the firm announced early this year. Interestingly, LG even teased such a device at the end of the Wing announcement (video below).
In addition to the ‘B Project’, the company is also working on a successor to the V60 ThinQ 5G flagship that is codenamed ‘Rainbow’ and the second-generation Velvet. Rainbow is expected to house top-of-the-line specs, just like its predecessor. What is not known is if the company will stick to the V series nomenclature or move to a new name – in line with the current trend with its smartphones.
The report adds that the company is increasing its reliance on original design manufacturers (ODMs) for the production of its handsets to cut costs, and that close to 70% of its devices will be manufactured by ODMs in 2021. The Velvet 2 and flagship ‘Rainbow’ are expected to be released in the first quarter of 2021, while the ‘B Project’ rollable display device is rumored for a March 2021 launch.