Why it matters: Samsung won't be the first to unveil a foldable smartphone but its device will be the first that people will actually consider buying. One way or the other, it's a pivotal industry moment that could dictate product roadmaps for years to come.
Samsung’s next Unpacked press event takes place in just over a week where the company is expected to reveal its first flagship of 2019, the Galaxy S10 (and its multiple variants).
The gathering is likely to draw more eyes than usual as Samsung is additionally planning to share more details about its first foldable smartphone.
Tentatively dubbed the Galaxy F by the media, the handset will utilize the Infinity Flex Display technology first teased last November. Samsung even demonstrated a working prototype of the technology but disguised it behind the mask of darkness and a chunky case. Justin Denison, SVP of mobile product marketing, promised, however, that the device is stunning.
There’s a lot riding on the success of early foldable phones. If done right, it could indeed be the next major innovation in the smartphone industry. If clunky, gimmicky or far too expensive, consumer interest will quickly wane and it’ll go down in history as another promising technology that failed to make a splash.
Samsung’s Unpacked event takes place on February 20. It’ll be streamed live over the Internet starting at 11 a.m. Pacific. Mobile World Congress kicks off a few days later on February 25 from Barcelona, Spain.
