Google's next foldable might be Pixel 9 Pro Fold, not Fold 2
For years, Google's top-of-the-line phones have come in just two flavors. That's been the case since the very first Pixel phones back in 2016. But things are shaking up with the Pixel 9! We already knew they were adding a smaller Pro version, but according to a Google leak, there might be an even bigger surprise coming this fall: a foldable Pixel phone! That's right, it seems Google's next foldable phone is joining the Pixel 9 party.
The fourth Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 – codename “tokay”
- Pixel 9 Pro – codename “caiman”
- Pixel 9 Pro XL – codename “komodo”
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold – codename “comet”
Will Google treat the Pixel 9 Pro Fold like a proper flagship?
Imagine a world where Google flips the script on its foldable phone. That's what might happen if the next Pixel Fold joins the Pixel 9 lineup as a full-fledged member. It would be a major shift from the first Pixel Fold, which felt a bit like an afterthought.
Remember the original Pixel Fold? It was announced in May 2023, at a time Google usually unveils less important devices. Maybe that was the first clue: Google wasn't treating the Fold like a true star, even though it cost a whopping $1,799! Google normally saves its big announcements for fall events, where the hottest Pixel phones take center stage.
The Pixel Fold felt like a late spin-off of the Pixel 7. Fine for something like the Pixel 7a, but inexcusable for a $1,800 flagship.
There was a long wait for the Pixel Fold. Announced way back in April, it didn't actually reach customers until late June – that's two whole months later! To make matters worse, for the price tag, you got a phone with a nearly year-old processor (the Tensor G2, which wasn't much of an upgrade anyway) and only three years of software updates. But the real kick in the teeth? Three months after the Fold's release, Google unveiled the Pixel 8 series. Not only did it have a much faster processor, the Tensor G3, but it also came with seven years of software updates! Plus, it had cool new features like the Magic Editor and something called Gemini Nano LLM that could even summarize recordings for you in the Recorder app. Talk about feeling left behind.
Imagine if Google ditched the "Pixel Fold 2" name and went with "Pixel 9 Pro Fold" instead. This could signal a big shift! It might mean Google wants foldables to be part of their main lineup, not some fancy afterthought.
Think about it. Remember how the first Pixel Fold had that older Tensor chip? Leaks suggest the Pixel 9 Pro Fold gets the brand new Tensor G4, which is a big upgrade. Plus, it seems the design will match the Pixel 9 phones, unlike the original Fold that looked more like the Pixel 7.
This would be a bold move for Google. They'd be the only company selling foldables alongside their regular phones, unlike Samsung with their Galaxy Z Fold or Motorola's Razr reboot. Basically, a Pixel 9 Pro Fold wouldn't feel like a totally different device. It would be a clear option if you're looking for a top-of-the-line Pixel with a folding screen.
The next Pixel Fold has a lot to prove
