Google reportedly cancels the Pixel Fold but hasn't given up on foldables

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Pixel Fold Mockup Displays
Pixel Fold Mockup Displays (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • The Google Pixel foldable smartphone has been reportedly canceled.
  • Google reportedly does not believe that it will perform well amid tough competition.
  • The foldable was expected to launch sometime in 2022.

Google has reportedly decided to drop its plans to launch the rumored Pixel Fold in 2022, according to a report from Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).

As per the report, the device, which was slated to launch sometime in the first half of 2022, won't come to market as Google has reportedly canceled orders for parts.

According to DSCC's sources, Google apparently did not think that the device would be compelling enough to compete against the likes of Samsung and other OEMs that are planning to launch foldables.

We've reached out to Google to comment on the report that it has halted its foldable hardware plans and will update you once we hear back.

The Pixel Fold has been rumored for some time as Google's answer to the growing foldable segment. The device was alleged to have a 120Hz LTPO display similar to some of the best foldable phones from Samsung. It would also likely have been powered by the Google Tensor chip found in the latest Pixel flagships.

However, some of the specs would have seen a noticeable downgrade from the Pixel 6 series. For example, the primary camera was reportedly going to be the same 12MP sensor as the previous Pixel devices. This was likely due to the increased thickness associated with larger sensors. Additionally, it was said to only have two rear cameras.

While we may not get a Pixel Fold any time soon, that doesn't necessarily mean Google is giving up its plans on foldables. The company could end up going back to the drawing board to figure out the best way to bring a Pixel Fold to the market at some point. The foldable market is growing, and with Apple expected to release one by 2023, it may not be too late for Google if it decides to hold off a bit longer.

With Android 12L, Google has already shown its commitment to foldables on the software front. For now, it seems that Samsung will have to continue taking the reins on the hardware front.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Mainstream foldable
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

More reliable
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 represents among the best that Samsung has to offer, with a more durable, refined design, a new Under Display Camera for uninterrupted viewing, and S Pen support for better productivity.

Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.