Scheduled to hit the market before the end of the month, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy Fold will be on time — at least if we take into account the availability of enough foldable OLED panels. Samsung Display has just announced that the mass production of this essential component has begun and — given the high price of the upcoming foldable device — they will not need to make millions in the coming two weeks.
Back in February, Samsung Mobile's boss said that global sales of its foldable flagship are scheduled to kick off on April 26. However, this date will not see the launch of the 5G version as well. Sadly for the US customers who live in an area with 5G wireless coverage and would like to buy the Galaxy Fold 5G as soon as possible, this model is expected to hit South Korea in May and there is no official information about its international launch. Obviously, it should hit the global market this summer — or at least the key markets, since many countries still lack 5G wireless coverage and will not get it for at least another year or more.
Samsung Galaxy Fold has a 4.6-inch size when folded and spreads out to a 7.3-inch format. Its display uses new polymer materials that allow it to be 50 percent thinner than conventional touchscreen panels. Back in 2013, Samsung Display became the first company to make flexible OLED panels, so the technology should be mature enough now. Remains to see if they managed to iron out the middle crease issue completely.