Google Pixel Fold reportedly cancelled — here’s why

Google Pixel Fold reportedly cancelled — hither'due south why

(Image credit: Waqar Khan | Remix via Nick Bush-league)

The Google Pixel Fold — Google'southward long-rumored foldable phone — may not see the low-cal of day after all, based on a report claiming that Google has cancelled the project.

The report comes from Brandish Supply Chain Consultants, a unremarkably reliable source when it comes to claims about phone displays. The business firm says that its supply chain sources are claiming that Google has dropped its Pixel Fold plans.

"Google has decided not to bring the Pixel Fold to market," writes DSCC CEO Ross Young. "Not in 2021 and reportedly non in the first one-half of 2022."

Previous reports well-nigh the Pixel Fold had suggested Google was pretty far along on its foldable device — then much so that some Google watchers were expecting the company to unveil the Fold aslope the Pixel half-dozen phones last calendar month. That didn't happen, obviously, then the timetable had been pushed to early on 2022 for the launch of a device that looked prepare to challenge the all-time foldable phones.

That could be why Google got cold feet about the Pixel Fold, co-ordinate to the DSCC report. With the Milky way Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 racking upwards amend-than-expected sales since launching this summertime, Google reportedly concluded that it faced as well much of an uphill climb. Foldable phones remain a niche product, and Google already faces challenges getting its more conventional Pixel phones noticed in a a smartphone market dominated by Apple and Samsung.

Not much has been known about the Google Pixel Fold, with near rumors drawing upon patents Google has received for foldable devices. Similar the Galaxy Z Fold three, the Pixel Fold was expected to open up to reveal a large interior screen — reportedly seven.6 inches based on the most popular rumor. The Pixel Fold'south display was expected to have an adaptive refresh rate, with Samsung supplying its rival with the layer of ultra thin drinking glass needed to improve immovability.

That all appears to exist on hold now, and that's a shame. Equally good every bit Samsung's recent foldables accept been, it would be nice to run across more than phone makers come out with foldable devices of their own to make that market segment more competitive. LG, which had been doing a lot of piece of work with dual-screen devices and phones with rollable displays, exited the phone business earlier this year. The Microsoft Surface Duo ii, a dual-screen device, has certainly improved upon its predecessor, but it'south falling brusk as an alternative to foldables.

android 12l announcement image — (Prototype credit: Google)

The timing of this report is especially odd, given that it comes just a couple weeks after Google announced Android 12L. This variation on Android 12 is aimed at big-screen devices including foldables, and it's supposed to have better advantage of the ample screen real estate foldables offer over conventional smartphones. Android 12L is still on runway to be released early next year, but it sounds as if information technology won't make an appearance on the Pixel Fold.

While the DSCC reports makes information technology audio like the Pixel Fold is gone for practiced, it's possible Google could revive the project afterwards. We hope that's the case, as nosotros sure would like to see what a Google-built foldable phone running Android 12L could offer over other devices.

Philip Michaels is a senior editor at Tom's Guide. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics and old movies. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.