LG to rev up production of flexible smartphone screens

LG is set to gear up mass production of curved smartphone screens as it preps its own flexible display phone.

"LG Display is launching a new era of flexible displays for smartphones with its industry-leading technology," Sang Deog Yeo, chief technology officer of LG Display, said in a statement Monday. "The flexible display market is expected to grow quickly as this technology is expected to expand further into diverse applications including automotive displays, tablets, and wearable devices. Our goal is to take an early lead in the flexible display market by introducing new products with enhanced performance and differentiated designs next year."

The flexible and concave OLED screens are made of plastic rather than glass. The screens are bendable but not breakable thanks to technology that provides a layer of protection. LG touts its screens as the world's slimmest and lightest among mobile device panels at only 0.01 inches thick and 0.21 ounces, even at six inches.

At the same time, LG is readying its own curved display smartphone. Known as the G Flex, the 6-inch device is scheduled to debut in November, though that date could change, a person familiar with the company's launch plans told CNET.

LG and Samsung are both vying to introduce a flexible display phone. Reportedly known as Samsung Round, Samsung's phone could be announced sometime this week.

The flexible display phones being prepped by LG and Samsung still come with rigid bodies. Instead, the display itself is curved to more comfortably fit around the contours of your face.

This article originally appeared on CNET.