Smartphone manufacturers are expected to release devices with “self-healing” displays within the next five years, according to analysts at CCS Insight. The technology could involve incorporating a “nano coating” on the surface of the display that reacts to air exposure, filling in any scratches or imperfections.
While companies have been discussing self-repairing smartphone displays for some time, commercially successful handsets with this feature have yet to be launched. Motorola and LG previously experimented with self-healing features in their smartphones, but the technology is still in development. The main challenges include investing in research and development, marketing, and consumer education to manage expectations. The self-healing feature aims to address minor cosmetic scratches, rather than major damages.
In a separate prediction, CCS Insight suggested that Taiwanese tech giant HTC could exit the virtual reality market by 2026. This was met with opposition from HTC, which dismissed the claim as speculation and expressed its commitment to building VR headsets and immersive experiences.
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HTC was previously a significant player in the smartphone market, but it sold its handset business in 2017. The company has since focused on merging virtual and physical worlds. However, the analysts believe HTC may struggle due to declining revenues and increased competition from Sony, Meta, and Apple.
While Apple’s entry into the VR space may provide a temporary boost for HTC, CCS Insight predicts that the company will ultimately exit the business and sell its intellectual property to bigger competitors. HTC, on the other hand, stated that it intends to remain in the extended reality (XR) space for the foreseeable future.
CCS Insight also forecasted that Apple will aim to gain more control and dominance in the 2nd hand smartphone market to counter the impact of growing popularity in used devices on new iPhone sales.
One way Apple could achieve this is by encouraging consumers to trade in their old devices directly with the company, bypassing third-party marketplaces. Another strategy could involve incentivizing carriers to provide old phones in exchange for credits to offset the cost of purchasing a new iPhone. CCS Insight also suggested that Apple might focus on implementing a “verified” grading system for refurbished iPhones to promote high quality second-hand units.
Via: CNBC