With several lessons taken from the Samsung Galaxy Fold, a second-generation model could be a thinner and smaller foldable that may be cheaper and potentially sell better than the original.
Samsung has confirmed that it has a new foldable form factor in the works, having teased the device at its Developer Conference keynote on Tuesday. While the device did not get much shine time on stage, it was enough to give credence to some long-standing rumors that have been circulating around upcoming projects from the Korean manufacturer.
Samsung showcased an image of its original Galaxy Fold, which clasps shut like a book on a vertical folding axis, morphing into a clamshell-style foldable with a horizontal folding axis. The confirmation falls in line, not only with reports that Samsung has a Galaxy Fold 2 in the works but also that it is working on devices with different folding methods.
“This brand new form factor we’re exploring can not only fit in your pocket but also change the way you use your phone, even when taking photos and videos,” said Sally Hyesoon Jeong, VP head of Samsung’s Framework R&D group on stage at the keynote.
Though Samsung has kept mum about major details on it’s next foldable, Jeong did mention that the manufacturer is looking toward the creativity of developers to bring the new generation foldable to life. This could hint at considerable collaboration on the upcoming device. Samsung may also work with the Android team, which has showcased at its own developer conferences, several advances in having native support for foldable devices.
“I believe, behind the scenes, that Samsung is working very closely with Google to optimize the experience,” Moor Insights & Strategy, Principal Analyst, Patrick Moorhead told TechViewPRO.
The lack of a live demo of the foldable or its proprietary software features could hint that it is not quite ready for public viewing. Samsung may also now be wary of showing public demonstrations of its more unique models after the fate of the original Galaxy Fold.
Samsung first showcased the Galaxy Fold at its 2018 Developer Conference hidden within a dummy casing to hide its actual design. The first-generation model was then officially announced in February 2019 but would ultimately not see market availability until late September, after it was originally intended to release in April.
“Last year the whole show was taken over by the Fold which was not even a device at that point just a display solution, so I think they wanted to avoid that but still tease the product,” Creative Strategies, Principal Analysts, Carolina Milanesi told TechViewPRO.
But Samsung’s silence could also have to do with the expanding on the foldable market as a while. Milanesi also noted that Samsung’s teaser could put Motorola on notice about its promise to unveil clamshell foldable in mid-November when the device was supposedly set to launch during the summer.
Other industry pundits wondered whether Motorola is using Samsung displays for its foldable as prior reports indicate the company’s display sector is aiming to produce enough components for between five and six million foldable devices in 2020. Though the manufacturer is reportedly pleased with the 500,000 Galaxy Fold units sources claim it has sold in Korea, it seems unlikely that production forecast accounts for Samsung products alone.
Perhaps Motorola’s RAZR foldable will be the market’s first opportunity to see Samsung’s latest foldable display technology in action. Reports also indicate the manufacturer is considering an “Ultra-Thin Glass” over polymer plastic for future models.
Even with a 2019 announcement, Motorola’s device may very well release to market in 2020 before Samsung’s next foldable.
