Consumers may be eager to get their hands on Samsung ’ s Galaxy S6 Edge with its curved screen . But a report hints that the South Korean firm is already working on its next-level displays for a fully foldable smartphone . Unlike the curved models available now , such as the S6 Edge and LG ’ s Flex 2 , Samsung 's Galaxy S7 could be flexible and bendy . A report hints that a fully foldable smartphone by Samsung could be ready as soon as next year . This image shows prototype curved screens unveiled last year . A spokesman for Samsung Display told Business Korea : ‘ The industry believes that the commercialisation of foldable smartphones will be possible in 2016. ’ A number of the curved screens , including those created by LG and Samsung , use high molecular substance-based polyimide film . This forms the backplane of the flexible panel and is used as an alternative to plastic . The material makes it possible to achieve the maximum curvature radius , which in Semiconductor Energy Laboratroy 's display is 0.7-inches ( 2mm ) . Polyimide film also helped reduce the thickness of the panel to significantly improve its flexibility . However , until other components such as batteries and processors are made to be flexible too , the dream of a roll-up smartphone will remain on the horizon . It is not only smartphones set to get the flexible treatment , as bendy displays could have many uses , such as in smartbands and laptops , for example . A spokesman from the industry said : ‘ When flexible display technology is being used in e-books and laptops , which are substituted for publications , the concept of tiny portable PCs and e-books will be realised in reality. ’ Rumours that Samsung was working on a bendable and virtually unbreakable version of its Galaxy handset first surfaced in 2012 . The false rumour said that the handset , codenamed 'Project J ' could be released in April 2013 . Last year , LG demonstrated a 5.9-inch display that can be bent more than 100,000 times without being damaged , at an exhibition in Tokyo . It is not only smartphones set to get the flexible treatment , as bendy displays could have many uses , such as in smartbands ( illustrated ) and laptops , for example . The foldable display is made of layers of lights using organic light emitting diodes ( OLED ) . It features touch sensors , meaning it works as a touchscreen at all angles and curvatures , and was demonstrated at the Display Innovation exhibition in Yokohama . In July , LG unveiled an 18-inch screen that can be rolled up and it hopes to expand the technology to work with 60-inch displays in the future . Earlier this month , Samsung revealed its next generation of Galaxy phones , including the Galaxy S6 Edge , which features a curved 5.1 inch display . On the S6 Edge , notifications appear on either the right or left-hand side , depending on which hand the owner uses . Up to five contacts can be programmed to appear on this edge , and each contact is assigned a colour . Earlier this month , Samsung revealed its next generation of Galaxy phones , including the Galaxy S6 Edge ( pictured ) , which features a curved 5.1 inch display . To access a contact , users swipe the relevant colour and this reveals recent interactions and details about that person . Conversely , swiping the long edge of the screen shows the time , weather or other customised notifications . And when the phone is placed face down , the edge glows to show a phone call , text or email has been received . If these messages are from a saved contact , the edge will glow the relevant colour . Plus the curved screen increases the viewing width and height of videos and photos to make them appear 3D . Both the 6 Edge and the Galaxy 6 have metal cases and are the first to feature dual-standard wireless charging technology built inside the handsets . People will need to pay extra for a Samsung non-slip wireless charger , but because it supports other standards both phones will work with any compatible charging dock . This image also shows the curvature of the phone 's screen . David Kang , vice president of online at Samsung Mobile , told MailOnline : 'We 've created not only what 's next for the industry but set a new standard for smartphones . ' 'We believe consumers and business alike will be impressed by the design but equally they 'll be taken by the power and performance . 'What we 've accomplished is an elegant balance between design and technology . ' The S6 and S6 Edge will be available from 10 April in colours White Pearl , Black Sapphire . Gold Platinum and Blue Topaz . The S6 Edge will additionally be available in Green Emerald .
Next-generation model is expected to be flexible and bendy . Current models such as the Galaxy S6 Edge only boast curved screens . Industry expert hints that foldable phones could be on sale 10 April . Technology could also lead to bendy laptops and smartbands , for example .