Samsung Confirms It Will Launch Foldable OLED Smartphones in 2018

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday posted its fourth quarter and FY 2017 results in South Korea. In the announcement, Samsung revealed that it is planning to focus on foldable OLED displays for smartphones, among other things as part of the 2018 roadmap. The company also suggested that it would be focusing on its Galaxy S9 flagship phone, and expanding 64-layer V-NAND technology and AI/ IoT capabilities.

As we mentioned, Samsung in its fourth quarter report states that "As for the Mobile business, Samsung will continue its efforts to differentiate its smartphones by adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as foldable OLED displays." It made an even more specific quote during its earnings call on Wednesday, clearly saying the cutting edge differentiation of "foldable OLED smartphones" would happen in 2018.

Additionally, the South Korean giant will also venture into the automotive electronics industry with these foldable panels. Apart from foldable OLED panels, Samsung is also looking at expanding its businesses that are working on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) with a core focus on two features - Bixby virtual assistant and the upcoming 5G technology. The company's Consumer Electronics Division is also planning to push technologies such as 8K and Micro LED in the TV market in 2018.

"Looking at the mid to long term, Samsung expects the components business to see demand expand from new applications. For the set business, the company expects to enjoy increased opportunities mainly related to software, connected devices, and services based on AI/IoT platforms." said Samsung's press release.

Samsung is also expected to focus on sales of its flagship smartphone series with the Galaxy S9 range launching in Q1 2018. Alternatively, it reveals that TV business will be seasonally affected, but Samsung aims to push for early release of newer models to retain sales figures.

Samsung, earlier this month, had launched two new SSDs (Solid State Drives) with 64-Layer V-NAND; a technology that it is looking to expand in 2018. "Samsung will focus on accelerating 64-layer transition and strengthening product differentiation via its V-NAND-based solutions."