Samsung, LG to launch foldable phones in Q3 - report

PanARMENIAN.Net - Samsung Electronics is highly likely to unveil foldable smartphones in the third quarter of this year, according to sources familiar with the matter, a report on The Korea Herald said.

“Samsung is expected to roll out more than 100,000 units of fold-out devices in the third quarter,” a source told The Korea Herald.

The smartphone, whose panels face outward upon folding, may be used as a 7-inch tablet when unfolded, he said.

Samsung, had initially completed the development of fold-in phones that tuck the screen inside when folded. It began the development of fold-out technologies around August, deeming that users may find it inconvenient to unfold the phones every time they want to use them.

“Since the company already secured fold-in phone technology, it was not a big challenge to shift into the fold-out phones,” he said.

Samsung’s rival LG Electronics is also expected to produce more than 100,000 foldable devices in the fourth quarter, one of the sources said on condition of anonymity.

LG started the development of fold-out technology two to three years ago, and currently has more advanced technology than Samsung, the source said.

Unlike Samsung, which is first adopting their new technology into its own products such as the Galaxy series, LG may use the technology for other global clients such as Apple or Huawei.