Samsung is speculated to begin the production of the Galaxy X1 and Galaxy X1 Plus smartphones by the fourth quarter of 2017. It is now rumored to release by the second half of 2018.
Samsung, LG, Apple and Microsoft are rumored to be working on foldable smartphones. New information suggest that Samsung may become the first one among these smartphone makers to release foldable smartphones this year.
According to Digitimes, Samsung's supplier sources based in Taiwan is expected to start small production of its foldable smartphone by Q4 2017. This news seems to contradict previous rumors that have stated that Samsung may produce over 10,000 million units of its foldable smartphones. Since there are technical problems involved in the manufacturing of polymide-based plastic cover which is a vital component for foldable phones, the mass production of Samsung's foldable device may not begin this year.
As far as the release date of Galaxy X1 and Galaxy X1 Plus are concerned, the foldable smartphones are unlikely to launch this year as its production is set to start later this year. Hence, speculations hint that both devices may get announced in Q3 or Q4 2018 as the mass production is go start in full swing in the second of next year.
Recent rumors have hinted that the Seoul-based firm will unveil a prototype of its foldable smartphone at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017. It won't be unveiled to the general public, but it will be shown behind closed doors to investors.
The specifications of Samsung's first foldable smartphone are not known yet. The company was previously rumored to be testing a mechanism that would allow foldable smartphone to fold inwards. However, newer details have stated that the company is opted for an outward folding mechanism. This new method would allow users to unfold the device outwards to use it as 7-inch tablet, BGR reported.
As far as the upcoming MWC 2017 event is concerned, Samsung is rumored to also showcase a preview of Galaxy S8 smartphone to build more hype before its alleged announcement in March. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus flagships are rumored to go on sale in April.
Here is a look at the protoype of Samsung's foldable smartphones that are in works since 2013: