Google admits it is developing a foldable phone prototype, but the launch is still a long way off

According to CNET, at this year's I/O Developer Conference, Google released the Pixel 3A, which also confirmed the rumors that it is developing a foldable screen prototype. Google claims that it is developing foldable technology and has been developing foldable screen prototypes for quite a long time. Mario Queiroz, who is responsible for the development of Pixel phones at Google, said that Google is also experimenting with this foldable technology.

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But don’t expect a foldable version of the flagship Pixel phone anytime soon. Queiroz said Google is in no rush to bring a foldable product to market. “We are indeed prototyping this technology and have been doing so for a long time, but I don’t think there is a clear use case yet,” he said.

Phones with flexible screens and hinges have been hailed as the future of smartphones, with their ability to transform from phones to tablets generating a lot of hype and excitement. However, early enthusiasm has faded since the screen of Samsung's first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, began to malfunction. The embarrassment forced Samsung to delay the release date of its $1,980 Galaxy Fold.

Queiroz said foldable devices are great for those who want a bigger screen, but that's not enough to spark consumer interest. "I think it needs more innovation, not just the screen size going up," he explained. "Right now, most people think foldable phones are not a must-have, but 'nice to have'."

It's unclear how far Google has gone in developing a foldable prototype, or how its foldable screen will work when opened and closed. Samsung's Galaxy Fold has a smaller screen, but it's larger when unfolded. Huawei's Mate X uses an external folding screen design, placing the 8-inch screen on the outside.

Queiroz reiterated in a subsequent statement that Google currently has no plans to launch a foldable product. He said: "We are developing prototypes of foldable screens and many other new hardware technologies, and there are no related products to release yet. Today, we will focus on the new members of the Pixel family, Pixel 3A and 3A XL, both of which are affordable and good value."

Google's development of a foldable phone comes as major phone makers are struggling to sell high-end phones as prices continue to rise. Google said last week that it sold fewer Pixel phones this year than last year, and Google Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat attributed that to "recent pressures in the high-end smartphone market."

Google's competitors are also feeling the pinch. Apple said last week that iPhone sales fell year-on-year, while Samsung also reported disappointing mobile phone revenue.

Google launched the Pixel 3A at half the price of the higher-end version, partly in response to sluggish sales. Google's mid-range phones are primarily intended to make its flagships more affordable. But when Google launches a foldable Pixel, it will be competing at the high end of the market. The foldable Motorola Razr, for example, is rumored to cost $1,500.

Market research firm Gartner predicts that sales of foldable phones will reach 30 million by 2023, but will only account for 5% of the high-end mobile phone market share, and they may still be regarded as luxury goods in the next few years.