Samsung Postpones Galaxy Fold Phone Launch

Though the phone was already issued to select outlets and celebrities, the Samsung Galaxy Fold won’t be getting to consumers just yet. Following reports that the cutting edge smartphone was breaking after even light use, the tech behemoth has decided to postpone the launch of its tentpole device.

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy Fold will not be released April 26 in the US and May 3 in the UK and Europe, as originally planned. Instead, Samsung will delay the phone’s release so as to “fully evaluate … feedback and run further internal tests.”

“While many reviewers shared with us the vast potential they see, some also showed us how the device needs further improvements that could ensure the best possible user experience,” Samsung admitted in a statement.

Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance. We will take measures to strengthen the display protection. We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold.

Following reports from initial reviewers that the Samsung Galaxy Fold’s screen and hinge were malfunctioning, the global company initially announced that it would “thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter.” Though that initial response purported that removing “the top layer of the display [may have caused] damage to the screen,” Samsung was still prepared to roll out the devices on April 26. The issues may have been more serious than initially believed, thus prompting the delay.

Regardless of circumstance, Samsung asserts that the Galaxy Fold will receive a new release date “in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, Apple was recently rumored to premiere a smaller iPhone XE model.