November 12, 2026
Technology sector companies are seeking to develop innovative technology to transform the smartphone screen into a primary source for sound production, abandoning the exclusive reliance on traditional speakers, in a move aimed at creating devices that are thinner and more efficient in resisting water and dust.
This technology relies on generating precise vibrations that convert electrical signals into sound waves, through specialized units installed behind the screen or connected directly to the phone’s body, so that the screen plays the role of a sound-producing membrane.
Prior entrepreneurial experiences
This idea is not considered spur of the moment; It was preceded by numerous experiments by major companies, most notably Xiaomi with the “Mi Mix” phone in 2016 by transmitting vibrations through the screen structure, and “Huawei” with the “P30 Pro” phone in 2019 to produce call sound in the absence of the traditional earpiece. In addition, Synaptics has developed Resonate technology, which integrates sound production via the screen with tactile response.
Design advantages and technical challenges
This technology allows the space allocated for the speakers to be reduced, giving designers greater flexibility to produce thinner phones, and enhancing their resistance to external factors by reducing structural openings.
Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of the technology remains subject to overcoming technical hurdles in the form of sound quality and power—particularly at low frequencies—as well as clarity in noisy environments, power consumption, and high manufacturing costs. Moreover, the technology will likely not completely replace traditional speakers, given that playing music and video clips requires powerful, stereoscopic sounds.
As development continues, these applications will likely expand to include tablets, smart watches, and laptops, paving the way for future designs that reshape the entire sound production mechanisms in electronic devices.
