Samsung Electronics is reportedly preparing to launch a second-generation of the Galaxy Fold with a bigger screen as early as the end of this year, industry sources told The Elec on June 25.
The updated phone would still fold inwards, but the display will be blown up to 8-inches – the first generation foldable is 7.29 inches – and the S-pen is to be adopted. The launch date was forecast to be in December this year, or early next year.
Industry watchers say that if the first generation foldable was inspired by the Galaxy S series, the next generation is based on the Galaxy Note.
If the new phones get unveiled by December, the FPCB for the foldable OLED panels are likely to be mass produced beginning in August. Major suppliers are on “standby,” according to market sources. The orders for the S-pen parts have already been placed.
However, considering the embarrassment caused by the first Galaxy Fold that has yet to be officially launched, some critics believe Samsung would exercise more precaution and push back the second phone until next year.
The first Galaxy Fold missed its April deadline for the North American launch following the discovery of some major glitches. After two months, Samsung Display vice president Kim Seong-cheol hinted on June 18 that the phone may finally be ready by saying that the unit is mass produce the necessary panels.
