Google postpones launch of foldable smartphone, again

Google postpones launch of foldable smartphone, againHOME Display Panel

Image: Samsung

Google has postponed the launch of its first foldable smartphone again, TheElec has learned.

The company planned to launch the project sometime during the fourth quarter but delayed the launch this year.

It is the US company’s second postponement of the launch __ it originally planned to showcase the phone late last year but it was delayed to this year.

Google has been working on an in-folding foldable smartphone since last year.

The panel, which would have been provided by Samsung Display, was expected to have a 7.57-inch main screen and 5.78-inch secondary screen as well as an ultra-thin glass cover.

People familiar with the matter said the postponement likely comes down to the product not being as complete as Google wishes.

Samsung Display, which is the only company that can manufacture foldable OLED panels, is also focusing on supplying parent company Samsung Electronics with panels for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Samsung Electronics is aiming to ship around 15 million units of the new phones, more than double the shipment of their predecessors of 7.1 million units.

Nexplus, a South Korean supplier of hinges for the panels to Samsung Display, had previously all but confirmed that it plans to manufacture hinges for a 7.57-inch foldable screen __ meaning Google’s __ at its factory at Yesan.

The company held talks with Samsung Display over the project as well, the people said.