Samsung has leaped at battery innovation by unveiling a revolutionary, solid-state battery designed for wearable devices. Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the South Korean tech giant has developed the world’s first ultra-small solid-state battery, overcoming key size and safety challenges faced by current lithium-ion alternatives.
The newly developed battery boasts an impressive energy density of 200Wh/L, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries. This advancement is critical for the growing wearables market, where space limitations have long restricted innovation. Media reports confirm that a prototype of this ultra-compact battery has already been produced and is currently undergoing testing with select customers. If all goes as planned, Samsung aims to begin mass production by 2026, with the battery likely debuting in the Galaxy Watch lineup.
A key highlight of this battery is its ability to overcome size constraints. Samsung has successfully engineered the battery to be produced in sizes ranging from millimeters to centimeters, accommodating various customer needs. According to The Korea Times, the company leveraged its expertise in multi-layer ceramic capacitor production to alternately print thin layers of material, stacking them without the wrinkling issues that affect lithium-ion batteries. This unique approach enables minimal volume change during charging, eliminating the need for extra space.
In addition to its compact size, solid-state batteries offer significant safety advantages. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, these devices contain non-flammable solid electrolytes, making them more resistant to external shocks. Samsung’s miniaturized version is also highly flexible and stretchable, enabling the battery to be integrated seamlessly into slim and compact wearable designs. With improved thermal stability and a longer lifespan, solid-state batteries are not only safer but also more environmentally friendly, thanks to a lower carbon footprint.
Samsung’s breakthrough could have broader implications for the energy storage sector. As Tech Genez reported, this innovation could revolutionize the wearable market, allowing for sleeker and more efficient designs. However, the high cost of production remains a challenge, though many companies are striving to overcome this hurdle.
Samsung’s advancement in solid-state battery technology traces back to its first introduction in 2020. At that time, the company highlighted the potential for all-solid-state batteries to support higher energy densities and utilize safer solid electrolytes. However, traditional lithium metal anodes used in these batteries were prone to dendrite growth, which reduced the battery’s lifespan and safety.
To combat this, Samsung introduced a silver-carbon (Ag-C) composite anode layer, which is expected to improve the safety and durability of the batteries significantly.
In addition, Samsung announced in 2024 that it had completed its pilot production line for solid-state batteries designed for electric vehicles. These batteries could provide an impressive 600-mile range, charge within nine minutes, and last for 20 years—marking a major leap forward in energy storage technology.