Google Pixel Fold launch date and design clues rumoured by analyst

Ross Young has reignited rumours that Google will release its first foldable smartphone this year. Recently seen in Android 12L Beta 2 files under its codename 'Pipit', the so-called Pixel Fold appears to look more like the Oppo Find N than the Galaxy Z Fold3. Incidentally, Young claims that the Pixel Fold will be smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold3 and its successor, the presumed Galaxy Z Fold4.

Allegedly, Google is targeting an October 2022 release, likely the release window for Android 13 and the Pixel 7 series. In the meantime, Google is expected to launch Android 12L, Wear OS 3, the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch. Potentially, the Pixel Fold could be the first device running Android 13L too; we doubt that Google would showcase its inaugural foldable with outdated software.

Additionally, Young asserts that Google will begin producing Pixel Fold panels in Q3 2022. If that is the case, Android 13 beta builds will probably contain various references to Pipit over the coming months. Also, Young has commented on last year's rumoured Pixel Fold. Thought to be codenamed Passport, Young stated in November that Google had cancelled the project because of competition from Samsung, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi across China, Europe and the US.

While competition from those companies remains, a more compact form factor could help Google differentiate the Pixel Fold from its contemporaries. In comparison, the original model was rumoured to resemble the Galaxy Z Fold3 in many aspects. Presumably, the Pixel Fold will rely on a next-generation Google Tensor SoC as well, which Google is already testing.

Purchase the Google Pixel 6 Pro on Amazon