During the “Pixel Fall Launch” occasion, Google formally launched the brand new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in addition to its Pixel Pass. Beyond that, nevertheless, the tech large didn’t reveal rather more about different new merchandise — like Google’s first folding telephone. Google previously confirmed in 2019 it’s engaged on prototyping foldable gadget know-how, has utilized for patents on foldable screens, and we’ve since reported on quite a few leaks suggesting the Pixel Fold would possibly arrive as quickly as this yr.

For instance, Korean trade web site TheElec instructed Samsung was going to provide folding OLED panels for the gadget this very month — and that’s simply one in every of many current leaks. Here’s a catch-up on all the pieces else we predict we all know concerning the Pixel Fold.

Internal paperwork from 2020 recommend a “Passport,” a reputation used internally for one of many Pixel Fold designs, would launch through the fourth quarter of 2021. That’s a prediction that was repeated by TheElec in mid-2021, in addition to dependable leaker Evan Blass in September. That’s why some predicted Google would exhibit the Pixel Fold through the “Pixel Fall Launch” occasion, which clearly it didn’t. Of course, we nonetheless have slightly over two months left of 2021, so there’s nonetheless a risk of seeing it this yr.

Patentscope

The public first discovered about the “Passport” codename in August 2020 after leaked inside paperwork referred to the gadget accordingly. That was the one Pixel Fold we’d heard of for over a yr, and the one that will supposedly launch in 2021. In September 2021, nevertheless, 9to5Google’s sources reported Google can be testing a second foldable Pixel smartphone dubbed “Jumbojack.”

We don’t know when this second gadget will probably be launched, if ever. In reality, we don’t know whether or not the “Jumboback” is a second sort of Pixel foldable gadget, or an inside prototype Google is utilizing to construct out foldable telephone options. What we do know, nevertheless, is that each appear totally different from one another.

There’s some hypothesis the “Jumboback” codename title is a reference to Jack within the Box’s Jumbo Jack cheeseburger. This implies the telephone might fold “hamburger style” like a powder case, as Samsung’s Z Flip does. That differs from the Passport’s alleged “hotdog” model, which folds like a passport just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.

Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge

Interestingly, the “Passport” design’s folding show would possibly even have the identical display screen measurement as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3. A June 2021 report from TheElec signifies the telephone might include a 7.6-inch folding show panel that folds inward.

Photo by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

That similar report from TheElec additionally suggests Samsung would begin producing folding OLED panels in October for the “Passport” gadget. Google may use Samsung’s proprietary ultra-thin cowl glass, which is bendable (and is technically produced by Schott). Samsung labored carefully with Google to assist foldable screens in Android to start with.

In September 2021, 9to5Google’s sources revealed the Jumbojack foldable gadget attributable to references in a future model of the not too long ago launched Android 12, which 9to5Google says may very well be Android 12.1. Incidentally, Android 12.1 is an replace which will additionally provide a number of foldable-focused enhancements, an evaluation of leaked code by XDA Developers suggests.

According to the publication, these Android 12.1 enhancements embrace a greater split-screen UI and a brand new taskbar to simply entry and use a number of apps utilizing each screens concurrently. The lock display screen might additionally make higher use of horizontal area, exhibiting, for instance, notifications on one aspect and the clock on the opposite, whereas putting Quick Settings and notifications panels side-by-side.

Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

Will the Pixel Fold, or at the least the Jumboback, want to attend to launch till Android 12.1 is prepared. Is that why we’ve got but to see the Pixel Fold? Android 12 solely simply launched, in any case.