LG V50 ThinQ 5G launch in Korea delayed (Update: Back on?)

Update, May 2, 2019 (04:18 PM ET): According to Business Korea, the South Korean launch of the LG V50 ThinQ is allegedly scheduled for May 10. This new date is the first update we’ve heard on the release of the device since LG scrapped the previous launch date of April 19.

We’ve reached out to LG to ensure that May 10 is, in fact, the planned launch. We will update this article should we hear back.

LG previously told Android Authority that it delayed the device’s release after it had discussions with local carriers. The carriers agreed that it would be better to delay the V50’s launch until 5G networks are more stable.

LG also said that the V50’s delayed launch in South Korea doesn’t have an impact on the phone’s U.S. launch, the date of which hasn’t been announced.

Original article, April 16, 2019 (9:00 PM ET): LG announced earlier today that it delayed the South Korea launch of its 5G-capable V50 ThinQ. The phone was originally slated to launch in South Korea this Friday, April 19.

The delay is due to LG wanting to further optimize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and Qualcomm X50 5G modem inside of the V50. LG also said it’s working with Qualcomm and South Korean carriers to improve 5G service and phone interoperability.

LG didn’t say when the V50 will be available in South Korea. Android Authority reached out to LG for comment on a new release date and whether the delayed launch in South Korea will affect the U.S. launch, but did not receive a response by press time.

The delay comes at a bad time for LG, which saw rival Samsung launch its first 5G smartphone April 5 in South Korea. LG likely had hoped to use the Galaxy S10 5G’s launch momentum for its own 5G smartphone, but now we don’t know when the V50 will debut.

That said, LG might have dodged a very big bullet by delaying the V50’s launch. Business Korea reported last week that Galaxy S10 5G owners have struggled with poor 5G connectivity and an inability to switch to 4G LTE. Samsung pushed out an update that supposedly addressed the issues, but the update didn’t help much.

NEXT: 5G networks will change our lives for good — But at what cost?