We're currently mainly focused on the Samsung Galaxy S24, but the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 will follow shortly after – and a new leak suggests these foldable phones will come with 'Ironflex' screens that are stronger than ever .
Ironflex is the term used in a new one trademark application from Samsung (via GalaxyClub And SamMobile), filed with the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and associated with a “foldable OLED display panel” and a “foldable smartphone”.
Unfortunately, we don't get too much information about what Ironflex is or what it refers to – but we assume that a trademark with that name, linked to foldable smartphone screens, will be used to bring more resilient screen technology to market.
In the filing, Samsung further mentions portable displays and foldable tablet computers, so it's possible that Ironflex will make its way into virtual reality headsets and also laptop screens in the not-too-distant future.
Strength is important
While it's unclear what Ironflex is, and whether the trademark will be used alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, it makes sense that Samsung would want to reassure consumers about the resilience of its foldable screens.
Foldable phones are more durable than ever before, but the screen hinge adds yet another point of failure compared to standard smartphones that don't bend. If that's not a concern for phone buyers, that means more sales for Samsung.
Speaking of extra resilience, Samsung's head of mobile TM Roh has said that dustproof protection is on the agenda for the company's foldable phones for 2024, with changes to screen configurations also expected.
Who knows, we might even get an S Pen slot for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 this year. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 were launched in July 2023, so July 2024 seems like a good bet for the release of their successors .