129 'Google Pixel Fold' stories
August 2020 - February 2026
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Foldable smartphones are growing in popularity thanks to efforts from Samsung and others. As the tech improves, though, other companies are getting in on the fun. Rumors have hinted that Google is working on a foldable for its Pixel smartphone lineup, and from the looks of it, it’s coming relatively soon. Here’s what we know so far.
Everything we know about the Google foldable
9to5Google first reported that Google was working on a Pixel foldable in August of 2020. In that report, we revealed the codename for the device was “Passport,” a codename we also spotted in May 2021 showing that the device is still in progress.
That codename also hints a bit at the design of the foldable. Like a physical passport, it seems possible the device will have a book-style fold for its display. A report from February also pinpointed a 7.6-inch display, further hinting at that design. For an idea of what that design could look like in person, we can look to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. We reviewed the Z Fold 2 last year, with the form factor cementing the idea that this technology is the future of smartphones.
Like Samsung’s flagship foldable, reports claim that Google’s foldable will use ultra-thin glass to create a smoother internal display that feels better under the fingertip. It also helps with durability.
There are also some points of speculation that can be made regarding this device. It’ll likely be similar on the spec sheet to other Google Pixel phones, most likely mirroring the Pixel 6, which is expected to use Google’s custom “Whitechapel” chipset and offer two cameras.
When with Google release ‘Pixel Fold?’
Details are slim right now on Google actively releasing a Pixel foldable. One recent report claims that production for the display will start in October of 2021. Our original timeline said the device would release in 2021 — something that a display analyst says remains true.
If that is the case, it seems most likely that Google will release its first foldable late in 2021. November or December seems most likely based on an October start-of-production for the display, but the ongoing chip shortage and other factors could play a role in when this device makes its debut.
Stay tuned for 9to5Google’s full coverage.
Google Pixel Foldable | What we know so far
Foldable smartphones are growing in popularity thanks to efforts from Samsung and others. As the tech improves, though, other companies are getting in on the fun. Rumors have hinted that Google is working on a foldable for its Pixel smartphone lineup, and from the looks of it, it’s coming relatively soon. Here’s what we know so far.
Table of contents
Everything we know about the Google foldable
9to5Google first reported that Google was working on a Pixel foldable in August of 2020. In that report, we revealed the codename for the device was “Passport,” a codename we also spotted in May 2021 showing that the device is still in progress.
That codename also hints a bit at the design of the foldable. Like a physical passport, it seems possible the device will have a book-style fold for its display. A report from February also pinpointed a 7.6-inch display, further hinting at that design. For an idea of what that design could look like in person, we can look to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. We reviewed the Z Fold 2 last year, with the form factor cementing the idea that this technology is the future of smartphones.
Like Samsung’s flagship foldable, reports claim that Google’s foldable will use ultra-thin glass to create a smoother internal display that feels better under the fingertip. It also helps with durability.
There are also some points of speculation that can be made regarding this device. It’ll likely be similar on the spec sheet to other Google Pixel phones, most likely mirroring the Pixel 6, which is expected to use Google’s custom “Whitechapel” chipset and offer two cameras.
When with Google release ‘Pixel Fold?’
Details are slim right now on Google actively releasing a Pixel foldable. One recent report claims that production for the display will start in October of 2021. Our original timeline said the device would release in 2021 — something that a display analyst says remains true.
If that is the case, it seems most likely that Google will release its first foldable late in 2021. November or December seems most likely based on an October start-of-production for the display, but the ongoing chip shortage and other factors could play a role in when this device makes its debut.
Stay tuned for 9to5Google’s full coverage.
Why ‘iPhone Fold’ can revive the foldable that even Google Pixel couldn’t make work [Gallery]
Foldables opened the door to a whole new world of smartphones just a few years ago, but somehow the entire Android market has settled into just two form factors – clamshell flip phones and book-style devices that just open up to double the width of a normal smartphone screen. As the inevitable “iPhone Fold” approaches, though, it seems Apple is looking to revive a form factor that Android brands, including Google Pixel, once tried, but failed to keep around, and there’s a clear reason why that happened.
Expand Expanding CloseiPhone Fold and future Galaxy foldable may end up copying the original Pixel Fold
After Google pivoted away from its stout book-like foldable form factor found in the original Pixel Fold, Apple’s coming iPhone Fold and a future Samsung foldable may just end up copying the same idea.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle’s original Pixel Fold is $599 for a very limited time, and that actually seems worth it
The original Pixel Fold was a good start for Google’s foldable ambitions, but it didn’t age well and was quickly replaced by the drastically better Pixel 9 Pro Fold. But, if you’ve been itching to try a foldable without the crazy cost, the original Pixel Fold is a worthwhile start at its limited-time price of $599.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel Fold long-term review: A bold first step, just not the right one
It still surprises me that Google managed to get in on the foldable game as early as it did, but the original Pixel Fold was only ever better than it should have been, far from perfect. As its sequel is just over the horizon, the Fold’s distance from greatness feels as though it has only grown, but the foundation Google has built opened the door for a sequel that can actually close the gap.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Translate can now use the outer display on Pixel Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 6
Google Translate is picking up support for using the outer display on select foldables for “Conversation Mode,” with Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 being among the first.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle will apparently start selling the original Pixel Fold again
Google stopped selling the original Pixel Fold earlier this week alongside the debut of its sequel, but the company apparently isn’t done with its first foldable just yet.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle stops selling the original Pixel Fold and Pixel 7, 7 Pro
In an unsurprising move, Google has discontinued the original Pixel Fold following the debut of its sequel, as well as pulling the plug on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6-era Pixel Fold prototype leaks out, stylus support tested [Gallery]
Before launching the Pixel Fold in June of 2023, Google had been working on foldables for quite some time. The iteration just before that has now leaked, with this Pixel Fold prototype featuring a distinctly Pixel 6-era design.
Expand Expanding CloseStar Wars Hunters doesn’t run on Android foldables, but it does on the Logitech G Cloud
Star Wars Hunters is a brand new MMO on Android’s Google Play Store. The game benefits from a larger display, but it is shockingly not available on any foldable Android phones. Instead, it runs perfectly well on the Logitech G Cloud.
Expand Expanding CloseNearly half of Pixel Fold owners use split-screen mode
Android’s work to optimize apps for large screens continues at I/O 2024, with Google sharing a stat about split-screen usage on the Pixel Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Circle to Search for Pixel Fold
Following last week’s announcement, Circle to Search is already rolling out to the Pixel Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 15 DP2 lets you swipe to keep using apps on Pixel Fold outer display
The Google Pixel Fold is picking up some new tricks with Android 15, with the second developer preview adding an option to continue running apps on the outer display when the device is closed.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle ‘Jumbojack’ foldable appears to have been a Galaxy Z Fold 2 with ‘stock’ Android
Google’s road to the launch of the first Pixel Fold last year was long and complicated, but as time goes on, we’re getting a bit more clarity into the development. This week, the “jumbojack” Pixel foldable we spotted back in 2021 has allegedly surfaced, and its a little different than expected.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle combines Pixel 8 Pro and Fold discounts with boosted trade-ins
In addition to discounting the Pixel 8 Pro, 8, Fold, and 7a, the US Google Store is offering elevated trade-in rates.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Fold and OnePlus Open are opposites – that’s why they’re the best foldables
Foldable smartphones aren’t “new” at this point, but 2023 was easily the most impactful year yet for the form factor. Two devices in particular stand out amongst the new releases – the OnePlus Open and the Google Pixel Fold.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 7a, 8 Pro, and Fold sweep blind camera test [Video]
After taking the top two spots last year, the Pixel Camera swept — in order: 7a, 8 Pro, and Fold — the MKBHD 2023 Blind Camera Smartphone Camera Test.
Expand Expanding CloseReview: Dbrand’s Pixel Fold Grip case and X-Ray skin are a gorgeous combo
Being such a large and hefty phone, the Pixel Fold needs a good case that protects it and offers a bit of functionality. The Dbrand Grip case for the Pixel Fold is exactly that, with a little bit of a bonus in personalization with the new X-Ray skin.
Expand Expanding CloseTwitter (X) gets the bare minimum of tablet optimization on Pixel Tablet & Fold
Google’s Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold are the first big-screen devices in the company’s lineup and, as such, the first that had to deal with Android apps that aren’t optimized for big screens. The solution? Black boxes along the sides. However, the Twitter/X app has now added the bare minimum of tablet optimization for Google Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store Black Friday 2023: $799 Pixel 8 Pro, $1,399 Fold ends today
The US Google Store will kick off its Black Friday 2023 discounts this Thursday (or a full week before Thanksgiving), with Pixel 8 and Fold discounts being the highlight.
Expand Expanding CloseComment: Pixel Fold at $1,399 is worth it, and the price it always should have been
The Google Pixel Fold was an impressive first showing for a foldable, but in the larger context of the foldable market, it had some clear disadvantages. But, at its current Black Friday price of $1,399, the Pixel Fold is absolutely worth it and also finally at the price it should have been from day one.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Fold’s dual-screen translate is a fantastic feature, but it’s in the wrong spot
The Pixel Fold takes full advantage of its two screens with an Assistant-powered feature that translates your speech and displays it on the other side of the foldable. The function itself is brilliantly done, but Google put it in the wrong app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle should have waited to release the Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold launched over the Summer to mixed opinions, but now that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have launched, they really make me wish that Google had just waited a little bit longer to debut its first foldable.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Fold and Tablet get new ‘Minerals’ wallpaper collection [Download]
Google photographed “Minerals” for the default Pixel 8 and 8 Pro backgrounds, and a slightly different version of that wallpaper collection is now available on the Pixel Fold and Tablet.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus Open might destroy Google’s Pixel Fold marketing campaign by being thinner
Since its debut over the summer, Google has put a lot of weight behind marketing the Pixel Fold as “the thinnest foldable of all.” The upcoming OnePlus Open, though, may crush that campaign, as it is said to be thinner.
Expand Expanding Close