Pixel Fold to reportedly enter mass production in Q3 this year despite rumored launch at next Google I/O

Google’s first foldable phone, widely dubbed Pixel Fold, has been in the rumor mill for years. But more reports point to it potentially launching later this year. A new claim, however, suggests that it might not happen at the next I/O conference.

The latest report on the Pixel Fold comes from The Elec, stating that the device could enter mass production by the third quarter of 2023. The publication corroborates earlier claims that Samsung Display will supply Google with foldable panels for the device and that the manufacturer could begin its production in July or August.

The Elec added that the panels being developed for the Pixel Fold could have roughly the same dimensions as Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 4. Google’s foldable phone could have a 7.57-inch main screen and 5.78-inch cover display, per the same report.

Starting mass production by the second half of the year makes it less likely for the Pixel Fold to arrive in stores shortly after the I/O conference, which is typically held in May. But this also contradicts earlier reports that the foldable device would join the Pixel 7a at the said event this year.

Last November, leaker Jon Prosser said the Pixel Fold could launch by early 2023. The following month, Android Authority reportedly obtained a copy of Google’s Pixel roadmap for 2023 to 2025, which also indicates an announcement in the first half of the year.

It is worth noting that Google has yet to publicly acknowledge the existence of Pixel Fold. Multiple sources with reliable track records have said the device has been in the pipeline for years. But the company seemed to have been going back and forth when it came to plans for its production and release to the market. So, as it stands, it is best to take all reports about the Pixel Fold release date with a grain of salt.

Meanwhile, The Elec also shared a potential letdown about the Pixel Fold. It is claimed that Google has no plans to include stylus support in its first foldable device. This could make it harder for the newcomer to compete with the Galaxy Z Fold, which has had S Pen support since 2021.

Photo by Thai Nguyen on Unsplash