Google Pixel Fold reportedly cancelled — here’s why

Google Pixel Fold reportedly cancelled — here'southward why

(Paradigm credit: Waqar Khan | Remix via Nick Bush)

The Google Pixel Fold — Google's long-rumored foldable phone — may not run across the light of 24-hour interval after all, based on a report claiming that Google has cancelled the projection.

The report comes from Brandish Supply Chain Consultants, a usually reliable source when it comes to claims well-nigh telephone displays. The 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 Immature. "Not in 2021 and reportedly not in the showtime half of 2022."

Previous reports about the Pixel Fold had suggested Google was pretty far along on its foldable device — so much then that some Google watchers were expecting the company to unveil the Fold aslope the Pixel six phones last month. That didn't happen, apparently, so the timetable had been pushed to early 2022 for the launch of a device that looked set up to challenge the best foldable phones.

That could exist why Google got cold feet virtually the Pixel Fold, co-ordinate to the DSCC report. With the Galaxy Z Fold iii and Milky way Z Flip 3 racking upward better-than-expected sales since launching this summer, Google reportedly concluded that information technology faced too much of an uphill climb. Foldable phones remain a niche production, 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 about rumors drawing upon patents Google has received for foldable devices. Like the Milky way Z Fold 3, the Pixel Fold was expected to open up to reveal a large interior screen — reportedly 7.half dozen inches based on the about popular rumor. The Pixel Fold'southward brandish was expected to have an adaptive refresh rate, with Samsung supplying its rival with the layer of ultra thin glass needed to improve immovability.

That all appears to exist on hold now, and that'south a shame. As practiced as Samsung's recent foldables have been, it would be nice to see more than phone makers come out with foldable devices of their own to brand that marketplace segment more competitive. LG, which had been doing a lot of work with dual-screen devices and phones with rollable displays, exited the phone business earlier this year. The Microsoft Surface Duo 2, a dual-screen device, has certainly improved upon its predecessor, but it's falling short as an alternative to foldables.

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

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

While the DSCC reports makes it sound like the Pixel Fold is gone for proficient, it's possible Google could revive the projection afterward. We hope that'south the case, as we sure would like to meet what a Google-built foldable telephone 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.