Google Foldable Pixel Phone is expected to be launched in Q4 2022 TechAlert24

Foldable phones have been steadily gaining popularity, but they have yet to gain mainstream acceptance. Ross Young, CEO of industry trade group Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), has now revealed details from the firm’s upcoming report, claiming a flurry of activity in the foldable devices market. One of the key takeaways is the long-awaited Google foldable phone, which Young claims is now actively in development and could be released by the end of 2022.

What to Expect from the Google Pixel Fold and More

Young claims that display panel production for the foldable Google Pixel phone will begin in the third quarter of 2022, with a launch by the end of the year possible. Other industry reports have backed up this claim, implying that Google is working to adapt Android to foldable devices by adding more features. Google announced at Google I/O 2018 that it would be working on adding support for foldable smartphones to Android, and recent reports suggest that such code is already present in the Android 13 developer beta.

The foldable Pixel phone is expected to retail for around $1,400. (approx. Rs 1.05 lakh). While this isn’t the kind of low price that will bring devices to the masses, it is still less than Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Fold smartphone. This could also indicate that more affordable foldable phones will be released next year, with the Pixel Fold serving as a benchmark.

A second Oppo device, two Vivo foldable phones, and a new Xiaomi device are among the other foldable smartphones expected to be released this year, according to DSCC’s Young. Oppo recently unveiled the Find N, a foldable phone with stronger hinges and a crease along the fold that is less noticeable. While its premium feel was praised by critics, the stocky, short design did not make it a significant upgrade in terms of real-world use.

Young also hinted that the DSCC’s upcoming report on foldable devices might include details on Apple’s position on the technology. According to previous reports, including Young’s own predictions, a foldable iPhone will not be available until at least 2023, if not 2024. It’ll be interesting to see if the DSCC’s upcoming report has any more surprises in store.