Samsung foldable smartphone to go into production in 2017

There have been rumours since past few months that Samsung is working on a flexible smartphone. In fact, specualtions suggest that Samsung may showcase a prototype of a foldable smartphone at the upcoming tradeshow Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Now a new report in Digitimes claims that clam-type foldable smartphone from the South Korean giant may go in production as soon as the fourth quarter of this year.

Samsung has also reportedly applied for flexible smartphone patents in the USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office), cementing the rumours that the foldable handset is in works.

The report further adds that Samsung could start with mass production of clam-type smartphones by second half of 2018. Until then it may get ample time to see its adoption in the market.

The report claims that technical issues in the production of the device may deal with the PI (polyimide)-based plastic cover. Citing sources from the supply chain, Digitimes report said that for now PI substrates are being produced in large volume but mass production of PI-based plastic covers with 'reliable quality' may come in the first half of 2018.

Samsung is not the only smartphone brand rumoured to be working on flexible smartphones. Apple , LG and Microsoft too have applied for similar patents in the past couple of years indicating that they too may be working on something similar.

Samsung is currently believed to be busy in the upcoming launch of its flagship smartphone allegedly called Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.