In a recent report, analyst firm CCS Insight has made intriguing predictions about the future of smartphone technology, suggesting that within the next five years, smartphones with displays capable of repairing themselves could become a reality. This innovative technology, dubbed ‘self-healing’ displays, is expected to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with our mobile devices.
Self-Healing Displays
The concept of ‘self-healing’ displays is not new. LG, a South Korean consumer electronics giant, introduced this technology as early as 2013 with its G Flex smartphone, which featured a vertically curved screen and a ‘self-healing’ coating on the back cover. While the exact workings of this technology were not disclosed at the time, the idea was to create a surface that could regenerate when scratched, filling in imperfections on its own.
Motorola also explored this concept in 2017 with a patent for a screen made from a “shape memory polymer,” capable of repairing itself when cracked. Similarly, Apple secured a patent for a folding iPhone with a display cover designed to fix itself when damaged.
Despite these early attempts, the technology has yet to reach commercial success. Challenges remain, including the need for substantial investment in research and development, as well as effective marketing to inform consumers about the capabilities and limitations of self-healing displays. It is important to note that this technology is not meant to revive severely damaged screens but rather address minor cosmetic scratches.
The Future of HTC in the VR Industry
CCS Insight’s report also presents a forecast for HTC, a pioneer in the smartphone market, suggesting that the company may exit the virtual reality (VR) industry by 2026. HTC, known for groundbreaking models like the HTC Hero and HTC One, has shifted its focus toward the merging of virtual and physical worlds. However, increased competition from industry giants like Meta, Sony, and Apple, combined with dwindling revenues, may lead to HTC’s exit from the VR market.
Apple’s Strategic Move in the Second-Hand Smartphone Market
CCS Insight’s predictions extend to Apple’s future strategy in the second-hand smartphone market. To counter the rising popularity of second-hand devices, Apple may seek more direct control over this market. This could involve encouraging customers to trade in their old iPhones directly with the company or incentivizing carriers to facilitate trade-ins for credits towards the purchase of new iPhones. Additionally, Apple might implement a “verified” system for grading refurbished iPhones, aligning with the industry trend towards more sustainable, circular products.
CCS Insight’s forward-looking predictions provide a tantalizing glimpse into the future of smartphone technology. ‘Self-healing’ displays and Apple’s potential shift in the second-hand market could reshape the way we perceive and use our mobile devices. While challenges lie ahead, these innovations hold the promise of enhancing user experiences and reducing electronic waste, marking a new era in the evolution of smartphones. As we approach 2028, the horizon appears rife with possibilities for cutting-edge advancements in the tech world.
