{
  "id": 7347494,
  "title": "Unfolding the Future of Next-Generation Phone and TV Screens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/unfolding-the-future-of-next-generation-phone-and-tv-screens",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-14T15:47:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/unfolding-the-future-of-next-generation-phone-and-tv-screens-12431745"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Next-generation phone and TV screens may soon undergo a revolutionary change, thanks to a New Mexico-based company called iBeam Materials. The company claims its MicroLED technology can produce brighter, faster, more cost-effective, and longer-lasting screens compared to current OLED displays. Unlike OLED, MicroLED screens use millions of tiny inorganic LEDs, typically made from semiconductor materials, to create near-perfect images, colors, and blacks.\n\nCurrently, MicroLED displays are too expensive and not easily scalable for mass markets, with one example being Samsung's 146-inch 4K Wall All-in-One display costing $219,999. However, iBeam Materials believes its patented roll-to-roll manufacturing technique could transform this. The process involves growing MicroLEDs and control electronics directly on a continuous roll of flexible metal foil, eliminating the need for costly transfers and assembly of individual components.\n\nThis innovative approach could lead to the production of paper-thin, super bright, flexible, and energy-efficient displays at a lower cost than existing MicroLED factories. iBeam Materials estimates that its technology could reduce startup investment costs for a roll-to-roll production line by five to 10 times compared to traditional MicroLED lines. This could enable a $100 million investment to potentially replace a $2 billion to $3 billion cost for a standard factory, resulting in substantial cost savings over time.\n\niBeam Materials has already gained interest from Samsung, which has expressed early interest in the technology. The company's CEO, Bruce Berkoff, is enthusiastic about the potential of MicroLED displays, stating that they could even enable displays similar to those seen in Harry Potter movies. Display expert Raymond Soneira, founder, president, and CEO of DisplayMate Technologies Corporation, also praises MicroLED technology, calling it the next generation in displays.",
  "summary": "In theory, displays could be as rollable as a projection screen or a newspaper in a Harry Potter movie.",
  "key_points": [
    "MicroLED screens use millions of tiny inorganic LEDs, unlike current OLED displays.",
    "iBeam's roll-to-roll manufacturing technique could reduce production costs significantly."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}