Google has been making a big push for big screens lately, with the debut of Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet behind it. Now, though, Google is apparently “considering” a combination of the two with a foldable Pixel tablet.
DigiTimes reports, citing supply chain sources, that both Google and Apple are considering foldable tablets. Neither company appears to have set plans at this point, but the report claims that if Google pulls the trigger, we could see a launch as soon as Google I/O 2024.
If Google introduces a foldable tablet, sources expect it will be the key product for Google I/O 2024.
It’s important to note the context here. The report only notes that Google is considering the device, not that it is actively on the roadmap. The timeline alone begs that this is taken with a grain of salt too. There’s a lot of room for doubt in all of this.
If Google were to launch a foldable Pixel tablet, it would be breaking new ground. While Android partners such as Lenovo and Asus have previously launched foldable tablets in the ThinkPad X1 Fold and Zenbook 17 Fold, they’ve been powered by Microsoft’s Windows. To date, no major brands have launched foldable tablets running Android.
Samsung has shown off foldable display concepts with Android, but none of those have made it to market.
On the Apple side of things, the report brings out that chances are “slim” for a foldable iPhone in 2024 and that a foldable iPad or Mac device wouldn’t be expected until at least 2026.___
Source: DigiTimes
One question: Why?
Imo foldable makes a lot of sense for tablets. They are huge 10+ inch honkers, being able to fold it together to something more carryable, I’d be down for that. Of course, this will cost $3k and will be abandoned by Google after one revision, so no thanks, but in principle I’d be down.
So that they can abandon it in short order like they do with their messaging apps
I really want a Pixel Tablet Pro
Can we just get a new Pixelbook instead?
Not that this is the idea here, but I would love to see a foldable eink reader.
A folding tablet doesn’t really make sense, unless it has like a 14"+ inner display, that would be sick.
I still can’t bring myself to use a foldable because tempered glass protectors would not work.
I could see carrying a foldable tablet if there was some mystical case and screen protector setup that didn’t suck but even just a tiny scratch just destroys me inside.
Why would you need a tempered glass protector on the inside screen?
Anxiety mostly. Also aggressive impatience nail tapping.
