Lenovo is once again pushing the boundaries of laptop design with a new prototype unveiled at MWC 2025. The company’s latest experiment, Codename Flip, reimagines the concept of flexible-screen laptops by remixing components from its earlier ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable. This innovation might represent a breakthrough, but as is typical with such concepts, it faces significant design challenges.
A Revolutionary Display: Flexibility Meets Functionality
Officially named the ThinkBook Codename Flip AI PC Proof of Concept, this new laptop makes use of a flexible OLED screen—the same display found in the ThinkBook Rollable. However, while the Rollable’s screen disappears inside the laptop’s chassis, the Flip’s display folds outward, offering users a chance to experience next-gen flexibility in a whole new way. The screen, which typically measures 13 inches, expands to an impressive 18.1 inches with a simple flick of the hinge, allowing users to enjoy a larger workspace with ease.
The ability to double the display size makes the Flip ideal for productivity tasks that require more screen real estate, such as document editing or multitasking. When the display is in vertical mode, it offers an immense view for spreadsheets, research, and other professional tasks. In addition, it can be folded back into a tablet mode or adjusted into something resembling the 2-in-1 tent mode, making it perfect for presentations or sharing content with someone seated across from you.
READ MORE: Amazon Set to Expand Alexa with Conversational AI in Alexa+
Lenovo’s decision to design the Flip’s display to bend outward rather than retract into the body, as seen in the ThinkBook Rollable, provides an advantage. By allowing the screen to unfold instead of retracting, the company can fully utilize the OLED panel’s area. In contrast, the Rollable only extends up to 16.7 inches. This clever innovation not only expands the workspace but also ensures the user has maximum screen real estate at all times.
Smart ForcePad: Redefining the Touchpad
While the flexible OLED is the most striking feature, the Smart ForcePad—a specialized touchpad—adds another layer of innovation to the device. This touchpad features a three-layer illuminated dashboard, enabling users to customize the surface with icons and controls that can change dynamically based on their needs. Lenovo’s attempt to enhance the basic touchpad experience adds some flair to an otherwise standard laptop component.
While the ForcePad’s features are certainly impressive, it isn’t entirely unique. Acer and other competitors have rolled out similar innovations in recent years, so it remains to be seen whether this feature will become a staple of future laptops. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Lenovo is looking to expand the functionality of standard laptop interfaces, offering users greater control and interaction.
Performance Under the Hood
When it comes to the Flip’s performance, Lenovo has equipped the device with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and PCIe SSD storage, making it well-suited for both professional and personal tasks. Whether you’re editing content, handling business software, or browsing the web, the Flip’s powerful internals ensure that it won’t slow you down.
Despite being a concept model, the Flip’s hardware suggests that Lenovo is serious about pushing the boundaries of computing. The combination of flexible screen technology and solid internal specs hints at a future where flexible laptops could become both high-performing and incredibly versatile.
Early Prototype: Design Issues and Challenges
While the Flip concept is exciting, it’s far from ready for the mainstream market. As a prototype, the device is a work in progress, and several issues have already been identified. The most noticeable problem concerns the hinge mechanism. With a screen this tall, even a light tap causes the display to sway back and forth in an unsettling manner. This instability could pose a major issue for users who require a stable working environment, especially during presentations or meetings.
Additionally, Lenovo’s promotional images suggest that the Flip would come with a kickstand, but the prototype I tested lacked this feature. The absence of a kickstand further impacted the laptop’s overall stability. Lenovo’s design team will likely need to revisit this aspect to ensure the laptop remains steady and reliable when used in various modes.
Another significant concern revolves around the durability of the screen. When collapsed into a clamshell for travel, the design exposes the flexible display, leaving it vulnerable to scratches or damage from surrounding objects. While it is possible to mitigate this risk with a form-fitting laptop sleeve, Lenovo will need to address these concerns before the Flip can become a viable option for consumers.
For a company that has already produced foldable phones and rollable laptops, the design flaw in the Flip’s screen is particularly puzzling. It highlights one of the inherent challenges of working with flexible OLED displays: protecting the screen from daily wear and tear while maintaining functionality.
A Prototype with Potential
Despite its flaws, the Codename Flip remains an exciting glimpse into the future of laptop technology. Lenovo’s ability to take the rollable screen from the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 and create a new, innovative product demonstrates the company’s prowess in reconfiguring existing technology to produce groundbreaking devices.
However, as of now, there are no plans to release the Codename Flip in its current form. The model showcased at MWC 2025 was one of only two prototypes in existence, and Lenovo has made it clear that there are still many obstacles to overcome. While the device is unlikely to hit the market in its current state, its conceptual appeal could shape the direction of future flexible-screen devices.
Lenovo’s willingness to show off unfinished products demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what laptops can do. Whether the company eventually brings the Flip to full production or shifts focus back to the rollable ThinkBook, the concept is proof that Lenovo is boldly stepping into the future of computing.
Conclusion
Lenovo’s Codename Flip is an audacious attempt to reinvent the laptop by incorporating foldable, flexible screen technology into a device with cutting-edge features. From the expandable OLED display to the Smart ForcePad, the Flip introduces a new wave of possibilities for multitasking, content creation, and collaborative work. Despite its early-stage prototype issues, the Flip’s core concept is one that could define the future of portable computing.
Lenovo may not yet be ready to launch this revolutionary device, but the Codename Flip is undeniably a sign of exciting things to come in the realm of flexible laptops.
