Google's Pixel Fold production plans hint at Q4 launch

We’ve heard rumors regarding the Google Pixel Fold for a couple of years now, but we got our first renders from a trusted source last month. Now, a Korean outlet has dished out more details regarding the upcoming foldable phone.

The Elec reports that Google plans to mass-produce the Pixel Fold and associated parts from the third quarter of 2023. In other words, it sounds like the foldable definitely won’t be launched in the first half of the year. So does this mean we could see a Q4 release instead?

By comparison, Samsung reportedly started mass production of Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 parts in May 2022, with production of finished phones apparently set for roughly a month later. These phones then debuted in August 2022.

A less impressive screen incoming?

The news outlet also confirmed a few more screen details regarding the upcoming foldable. More specifically, it says we should expect a 7.57-inch foldable screen with ultra-thin glass, and a 5.78-inch smartphone screen. These sizes differ slightly from previous leaks.

In saying so, The Elec suggests that the Pixel Fold might have a less impressive screen than the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4, citing Google’s 2022 foldable phone project. The outlet suggests that Google could skip foldable screen tech that debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 which allowed for a thinner foldable screen. It also suggested that stylus support is “unlikely” for the Pixel Fold.

Either way, it seems like you shouldn’t hold your breath for a Google foldable to launch in the first half of the year. This clashes with our exclusive Pixel release roadmap, which points to an April or May 2023 launch date. But it’s also possible we might get a tease or brief look at the device in April/May, as Google did with the Pixel 7 series and Pixel Tablet in May 2022.