The Pixel Fold as we know it may have been cancelled, but there is evidence that Google plans to release a foldable smartphone in 2022
There have been plenty of leaks about the Pixel Fold, most recently via the Google Camera app. Sightings of the Pixel Fold initially appeared in Android 12 Beta 1, with Google adding support for 'Barbet', 'Oriole', 'Raven' and 'Passport'. Google released the first three as the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, respectively, leaving Passport as the sole remaining unreleased handset.
Based on references in the Google Camera app, it seemed that Google planned to release the Pixel Fold in 2022, instead of its reputed late 2021 release. Now, Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants claims that 'Google has decided not to bring the Pixel Fold to market'. Citing supply chain sources, Young states that Google will not launch a foldable smartphone in 2021 or the first half of 2022.
Supposedly, Google thought that a foldable Pixel smartphone would struggle to compete against Samsung's Galaxy Z series in Europe and the US, along with Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi in China. It is worth noting that Google has not adjusted its prospective release date for Android 12L.
Incidentally, 9to5Google noted that 'isPixel2022Foldable' referred to 'Pipit', rather than 'Passport'. 9to5Google suggested that Google could have switched codenames, which it previously did, but Ross' report suggests otherwise.
Ultimately, Google could still be planning to release a foldable Pixel smartphone in 2022, but 'Pipit', not 'Passport'. Hence, reports of the Pixel Fold being cancelled may be somewhat off the mark. According to 9to5Google, 'Pipit' has budget cameras, with the Samsung ISOCELL GN1 from the Pixel 6 Pro not making its way to Google's first foldable.
Source(s)
@DSCCRoss & DSCC, Waqar Khan - Image credit
