Google might have consumers waiting a bit longer for its first foldable device, according to several reports.
The tech brand appears to have postponed the launch of its product for the second time due to not being satisfied with its design quality, Korean publication The Elec reported. Analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) backed up the claim, adding that the device might not be ready for unveiling until early 2023.
Prior reports suggested the Google foldable might have a 5.8-inch inner display, but the publication claims it might actually have a 7.57-inch main screen, coupled by a 5.78-inch front screen. The issue with this setup remains unknown, but sources told The Elec that “the postponement likely comes down to the product not being as complete as Google wishes.”
While not confirmed, trouble with the display could lie in Google being unable to get rid of the crease where the device folds. Previously, reports suggested that the brand had plans to design its foldable more like the Oppo Find N with no display crease, whereas other brands continuously struggle to remove this seam.
Notably, Samsung Display is the primary manufacturer for foldable OLED panels on the market, outfitting not only its own devices, but Oppo’s foldables and eventually Google’s as well. This indicates that the technology to make Oppo’s foldable creaseless is in-house and unique.
Recent reports indicate that Samsung itself hope to decrease the amount of visible folding on its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 foldable, but hasn’t found a way to make the device completely creaseless.
Google just hosted its Google I/O developers conference two weeks ago, where it announced and previewed several hardware products at its keynote event. The foldable, which many have been calling the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad, was unceremoniously missing. Google did however tease a flat tablet, which it said is set to launch in 2023 running its in-house Tensor chip and is designed to work in tandem with other Pixel devices.
While Google said nothing about its foldable development at the Google I/O keynote, it did show images Samsung foldables during its demonstrations.
The first hint of the foldable being cancelled surfaced in mid-November 2021. However, news that it was still in development came about in early January, with price rumors soon following.
The second postponement of the Google foldable comes as rumors of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 heat up, and as other foldables, including the Huawei Mate Xs 2 are introduced to the market. While the latter might not be widely available to markets such as North America, it was notable in the news because of its outward folding style, instead of inward like a book or a wallet.
