While Samsung has developed multiple foldable/flip-style phones, like the aforementioned Galaxy Fold or the Galaxy X Flip, fans have been waiting for Google to follow suit. Lead Pixel developer Mario Queiroz has been quoted saying that the technology is something that would be a “nice-to-have” more than a need. However, it could be that the folding technology has been being worked on in the background for quite some time, and Google–and the Pixel brand–is almost ready to unveil it.

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Tech analyst Jon Prosser recently tweeted out that the Google Pixel “Fold” is indeed a “real thing.” While many would have expected that Google would be working on this behind the scenes, hearing the news from a more trusted source like this gives credence to some of the past rumors. That being said, it should still be taken with a grain of salt for now.

In a follow-up tweet, Posser indicated that it would be ready sometime later this year or in early 2022. It would not be a surprise to see a “Fold” version of Google Pixel 6 be unveiled for this holiday season, for example, along with the rest of the library of products. Last year the Google Pixel 4 was discontinued to make way for all of the Google Pixel 5 products; slipping in a “Flip” variant could theoretically be seamless. Google could go a different route, however, and make the “Flip” be a totally separate phone product.

Google is continuing to reveal new features for its phone that are rather intriguing, including a camera that will be able to monitor heart rates. The company often does interesting and innovative things. Of course, in the case of a folding phone, Google would be playing catch up.

The Google Pixel 5 released last year with an affordable price and features that compete with the market. It would be very interesting to see Google come out with a folding/flip phone that perhaps would not as expensive as Galaxy Fold or Galaxy X Flip. That alone may give them a bit of an edge. For now, with nothing confirmed, fans will have to wait to see if the Google Flip ever becomes a reality.

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Source: IGN