While Google prepares to launch its latest Pixel 6 premium smartphone and recently also released the Pixel 5a mid-range device, several recent leaks suggest the brand may be preparing to unveil its first foldable before the end of the year.
A report from 9to5Google indicates that Google is prepping its Android 12.1 (Android 12 sc-v2 release) update to be optimized particularly for foldables. The publication has also learned of a new foldable model, being referred to by the codename “Jumbojack” after the industry has been following murmurs of a Google foldable under the codename “Passport” for at least a year.
Currently, it appears that the Jumbojack model might simply be a tester device while Passport might be an actual model that releases to market under the Pixel brand. If accurate, a legitimate Google foldable could potentially release sometime during the fourth quarter of 2021. However, there is also the possibility that Passport and Jumbojack could be two separate foldable devices.
Jumbojack Design
According to details 9to5Google obtained from Android 12.1 documentation, Jumbojack will have a two-display design, similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Fold. There will be a tablet-sized inner display that will fold away and be usable, and a smaller out display that can be used as a standard smartphone. Additionally, Android 12.1 is also expected to have such foldable optimized features as split-screen for ideal use of the large inner screen for multitasking.
The publication also noted that the Jumbojack codename may also be a reference to the Jumbo Jack cheeseburger from Jack in the Box, which might indicate that the foldable will fold along its X-axis “hamburger style,” similar to the Galaxy Z Flip, rather than along its Y-axis or “hotdog style, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold.
More on Multitasking
XDA Developers has also shared some details it has discovered in Android 12 developer previews, including a “taskbar” feature for the Pixel Launcher when the foldable is in its tablet mode. The publication has deciphered that the device will likely have a 7.57-inch unfolded display with a 2208×1804 resolution and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. XDA assumes this device is most likely the Pixel Fold or Passport and is expected to fall in line more with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Huawei Mate X2 design-wise, having a larger, tablet size display and a Y-axis fold.
Display Details
The CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, Ross Young, recently Tweeted out details about the launch timelines for various devices and listed both the Pixel 6 and Pixel Fold launches for the fourth quarter of 2021.
Google is currently heavily marketing its Pixel 6 smartphone, which is expected to be announced officially on October 19. However, the brand has been relatively quiet about its plans for releasing foldables, outside of mentioning at developer events, such as Google I/O that its upcoming software will have support and optimization for the unique form factors.
Young’s supply chain mention indicated the Pixel Fold might feature an LTPO OLED display panel with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz.
