Samsung has reportedly fixed the problems it faced with its Galaxy Fold smartphone.
The foldable device, which was previewed earlier in the year, was met with criticism and embarrassment after the hinge line was plagued with issues.
Indeed, users saw a crease in the display which then resulted in corrupted graphics, which in turn lead to the screen turning off.
In some cases, the fold on the review models rendered the devices totally unusable.
Following the challenges, Samsung called off the launch of the device, which was originally due for public release in April.
Now, according to Bloomberg, the company is in the final stages of tweaking the Fold for commercial use, and it’s expected the Korean giant still hopes to sell the model this year.
Samsung has reportedly fixed the problems by designing the Fold’s screen layer as an integral part of the device – in test models, some users pulled off the screen as they thought it was a screen protector – but this caused the devices to break almost instantaneously.
The new ‘film’ now stretches around the entire screen and the outer bezels, so it cannot be removed by hand as was previously possible.
What’s more, the hinge has been redesigned to fit flush with the display, which stretches the film when the device then opens.
This results in added tension, which makes the film layer feel more like the actual screen than a screen protector.
This hinge mechanism also makes it harder for a crease to develop.
Samsung is set to host its Unpacked event this August, and whilst it’s unlikely the device will be on sale then, the company might lift the lid on a future release date or product roadmap.
Samsung is also expected to release the Galaxy Note 10 which will feature a multi-camera system, 5G integration, and a stunning new 6.75-inch screen.
Speaking of the Galaxy Fold drama, Samsung Display Vice President Kim Seong-cheol said: “It was embarrassing. I pushed it through before it was ready. I do admit I missed something on the foldable phone, but we are in the process of recovery.”
Apple is reportedly working on its own foldable, following patent leaks earlier in the year.
Whether those patents mean a foldable iPhone is coming soon, however, remain to be seen.
Will you be buying the Galaxy Fold when it goes on sale? Let us know on Twitter using @AppleMagazine, and check back soon for more news and rumors on the product.