Google Pixel Fold is still on track for a 2021 launch

Google Pixel Fold is still on track for a 2021 launch
Google Pixel Fold is still on track for a 2021 launch

It seems Google still has some plan about a Pixel Fold. Last August it was leaked that the company was planning to release its first folding Pixel phone by late 2021. According to the latest news, TheElec reported that Samsung will begin production of folding OLED panels from this October for companies like Google, Vivo, and Xiaomi.

Note that Google has not been silent about its ambitions regarding a folding phone. Back in 2019, it published patent applications for its own folding screens and admitted it had been prototyping them for quite some time. At that time, the company told CNET that it didn’t have “a clear use case yet” but now it seems Google has a foldable codename “Passport”.

Last month, 9to5Google even spotted a new reference to it in Android 12’s code alongside other codenames which are believed to be the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 5a 5G. Similarly, TheElec reported, it will have a single 7.6 inches panel that folds inward. Vivo’s upcoming phone will have an 8 inches main screen and a 6.5 inches outer display. No details were given about Xiaomi’s phone’s screen.

As of now, it is not clear whether the display of Pixel Fold is designed by Google itself or not. It is to be noted that Samsung acts like a contract manufacturer for many companies including the likes of Apple. It is possible that one of the screens might be designed by Samsung.

ETNews reported that Samsung will supply its proprietary ultra-thin cover glass to other smartphone manufacturers and Google is one of them so we can expect Google to use the same in this device. Earlier this year, Xiaomi announced a folding phone dubbed Mi Mix Fold but it seems the company will come out with a second device within this year. According to TheElec, Oppo will be delaying a new foldable phone with a 7.1-inch main screen and a smaller outer one to 2022. It seems we will see more foldable smartphones in the future from all notable brands.

Michael Turner
Michael is the Senior Editor at TheNewsPocket. He is an environmental activist with broad, deep experience in print and online writing, publication and site management, news coverage, and editorial team management.