Embodiments are generally directed to a lateral expansion apparatus for mechanical testing of stretchable electronics. An embodiment of a system includes a compressible cylinder to apply mechanical forces to a stretchable electronics device by the compression and release of the compressible cylinder; a compression unit to compress to the compressible cylinder, wherein the compression unit is to apply a compression force in a direction along an axis of the compressible cylinder to generate lateral expansion of the compressible cylinder; and a testing logic to control compression and release of the compressible cylinder.