Samsung is postponing the release of its upcoming folding smartphone as it works to figure out why the $2,000 gadget keeps breaking.
The Korean tech giant, which had launch events scheduled in Shanghai and Hong Kong ahead of the Galaxy Fold’s Friday release, said on Monday that it will use this extra time to “take measures to strengthen the display protection.”
The delay comes after numerous tech reviewers who received the $1,980 phone — known for its unique foldable screen and hefty price tag — reported last week that their supposedly flexible screens were blacking out or breaking at the hinges.
Samsung did not say when it plans to reschedule the release of the smartphone, which recently sold out of preorder units.
The Galaxy Fold features a tablet-sized, 7.3-inch display that bends, allowing it to fold to the size of a regular smartphone with a 4.6-inch screen. It made a splash when it was previewed earlier this year because of its unique ability to become a pocket-sized phone or a tablet — as well as the sky-high cost.
Despite the embarrassment of having to delay the release, Samsung may be breathing a sigh of relief.
The last time the South Korean phonemaker encountered a catastrophic issue with one of its phones, it was forced to halt sales of its Galaxy Note 7. The device’s battery had been overheating, catching fire and blowing up in customers’ pockets.
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