Samsung Postpones Launch Of New Foldable Phone

Samsung has decided to postpone the launch of its Galaxy Fold smartphone because of technical problems.

The news comes just days ahead of the launch of the industry’s first foldable-screen device, which is set to cost consumers nearly $2,000. The delay was caused by problems that some reviewers experienced, specifically issues with the handset’s hinge and its main screen.

“Delays happen, but this I put in a different category because it was such an important release,” said Daniel Ives, a managing director at Wedbush Securities, according to The Wall Street Journal. “Samsung has an opportunity to gain versus the likes of Apple. They just can’t trip over their shoelaces getting there.”

Samsung said it would announce a new release date in the coming weeks. But customers who preordered the phone received an email informing them to expect shipping information in “two weeks.”

The Galaxy Fold changes the common rectangular smartphone design, instead folding in half like a book with a tablet-size screen measuring 7.3 inches diagonally. When the phone is closed, it boasts a second, smaller outer display that can perform most tasks.

In its statement, Samsung revealed that its initial inspection of the problems reviewers experienced found that they could have been caused by impact on the exposed areas of the hinge at the top and bottom. In one case, “substances found inside the device affected the display performance,” the company said, without further explanation.

In addition, some reviewers ripped off part of the phone’s display because they mistakenly thought it was a protective cover, while others had issues with hinges or flickering screens. It’s worth noting that there were multiple outlets that didn’t report any issues with their handsets.

To prevent further confusion, Samsung said it would give consumers clear warning not to remove the display’s top layer, as well as improve the phone’s display protection.