Here's a glimpse at what could have been the first Google Pixel Fold

Google’s journey into the foldable smartphone market has been a long and winding road, with the company finally releasing its first foldable device, the Pixel Fold, in mid-2023. However, a recent leak has shed light on an earlier prototype that could have been Google’s debut in the foldable arena a year earlier.

Codenamed “pipit,” this canceled Pixel Fold prototype has surfaced in photos shared on an XDA forum thread, offering a tantalizing look at what might have been. According to information obtained by Android Authority from an anonymous Google source, this device was originally slated for release around the time of the Pixel 6 series.

The most striking feature of the “pipit” prototype is its design, which bears a strong resemblance to the Pixel 6 aesthetic. A seamless glass camera bar spans the entire width of the device, contrasting with the more compact metal camera island found on the released Pixel Fold. Despite this difference, the overall form factor and unusual aspect ratio remain remarkably similar to the final product.

Under the hood, “pipit” was powered by the first-generation Tensor chip and Exynos Modem 5123, a step behind the Tensor G2 and Exynos Modem 5300 found in the released Pixel Fold. The camera setup also reflects its earlier development, featuring the older Sony IMX363 sensor that had been used since the Pixel 3, rather than the upgraded cameras that made it to the final version.

Interestingly, the inner folding display appears to have remained unchanged from the prototype to the released product. Google had even explored the possibility of stylus support for the device, though this feature didn’t make it to later development stages.

The existence of this prototype raises questions about Google’s decision to delay its entry into the foldable market. It’s possible that the company recognized the need for further refinement, both in hardware and software, before releasing a product that could compete with established players like Samsung.

While we can only speculate on the reasons behind the cancellation of “pipit,” I’m also interested in knowing why Google still hasn’t dabbled in the “flip phone” space. I guess we’ll have to wait and find out.