Lenovo’s ThinkPad Rollable XD looks straight out of sci-fi, and it is very real

The Lenovo ThinkPad Rollable XD concept has surfaced through a fresh report by WindowsLatest, offering an early look at a radically different laptop design. The concept builds on Lenovo’s earlier experiments with rollable screens and hints at how portable computing could change in the coming years. While it remains a concept for now, the details revealed so far paint a clear picture of Lenovo’s thinking ahead of CES 2026.

A vertically expanding display with a transparent twist

Unlike earlier rollable laptops that expanded horizontally, the Lenovo ThinkPad Rollable XD concept introduces a vertically expanding display. In its default form, the laptop works with a compact 13.3-inch screen. When expanded, the display stretches upward into a tall 16-inch workspace, offering significantly more usable screen area without increasing the footprint on a desk.

This upright format is aimed at professionals who work with documents, timelines, and multi-window layouts. What sets this concept apart is the transparent back cover. Instead of a conventional metal or plastic lid, Lenovo is experimenting with a see-through Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panel.

Behind this glass, the flexible OLED display curves and rolls when not fully extended. This design allows part of the screen to remain visible even when rolled inward, creating what Lenovo internally describes as a world-facing display.

New ways to interact and work

The exposed portion of the flexible OLED is said to display contextual information such as notifications, calendar updates, or AI-driven assistance. Because this visible section is part of the same 16-inch panel, it creates opportunities for multitasking and collaboration that go beyond a traditional secondary display. The concept also supports touch, swipe gestures, and voice controls, enabling users to switch modes or launch apps more naturally.

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AI plays a supporting role here, with features like live translation and voice assistance expected to be part of the experience. Lenovo is positioning the ThinkPad Rollable XD concept as a preview of its next generation of intelligent, adaptive devices rather than a near-term commercial product.

Although pricing has not been disclosed, similar rollable laptops already sell at a premium, often above $3,299 (~Rs 2,96,000). If this concept ever reaches the market, it is likely to sit even higher, targeting professionals eager to experiment with new workflows and display formats.

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