This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
On June 29, 2021, Xiaomi took a significant step in the development of roll-up screen technology for smartphones by filing a patent for a system that allows the screen to expand and retract on both sides of the device.
While OPPO has already presented a prototype smartphone with a roll-up screen, and Samsung has formalized the ongoing development of such a device, Xiaomi's patent describes a unique approach that sets it apart from its competitors.
The Chinese manufacturer's design features a roll-up screen system that can be deployed on both sides of the device, with the camera housed in the center of the rear panel. This design is reminiscent of the Mi Mix Alpha, which featured a screen that covered a significant portion of the back of the device, but with the added feature of being rollable.
The mechanism behind Xiaomi's roll-up screen technology relies on two engines that work together to extend and retract the screen. While this patent is an exciting development, it's essential to note that it's just a patent, and the design may not necessarily be implemented in a product marketed to the public.
