#FoldGate: Samsung delays launch of folding phone after users mistakenly peel off screen

After a swathe scathing reviews, broken devices and users mistakenly peeling off protective screens, Samsung is delaying the release of its folding phone.

Stephanie Palmer-Derrien 23 April, 2019

Samsung fold — The Samsung Galaxy Fold. Source: Samsung.

If you were looking forward to getting your hands on Samsung’s heralded foldy phone later this year, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer — indefinitely longer, in fact.

Following a swathe of scathing reviews, broken devices and users peeling off protective screens that were not supposed to be peeled, Samsung has announced it is delaying the release of its would-be game-changing device.

A statement confirming the delay comes just three days before the device was due to be released into the world. A new release date will be announced “in the coming weeks”, the statement said.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold, which was unveiled in February, costs $US1,980 ($2,762), but when it was dished out to select reviewers and influencers last week, they quickly started to report problems.

Screens were reportedly breaking after just a few folds, and some reviewers reported ‘debris’ under the screen.

After one day of use… pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9

— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019

In several other cases, users mistakenly peeled off part of the screen, assuming it to be a protective layer that is meant to be removed — as is found on many devices including other Samsung Galaxy models.

The plastic turned out to be a protective layer that is not supposed to be removed, and that can cause significant damage to the screen if it is, drawing fresh criticism that this is not made clear to users.

In what she calls a “non-review” of the device, Wall Street Journal personal tech columnist Joanna Stern notes that there is “no warning telling people who like to peel stickers off their gadgets ‘do not peel this sticker off your gadget’.”

Does anyone know where I can find a dumpster fire to shoot my Galaxy Fold video review? Thanks.

— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) April 17, 2019

In its statement, Samsung said “many reviewers” saw “vast potential” in the Galaxy Fold, but said it is delaying the launch to “run further internal tests”.

Samsung also promised to improve display protection.

“We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer,” the statement said.