Samsung delays the U.S. release of Galaxy Fold after screen problems

UPDATE: April 22, 2019, 1:07 p.m. ET: This story was updated to include the news that Samsung confirmed it was delaying the launch of the Galaxy Fold.

Welp, it looks like U.S. customers will have to wait a bit longer for the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

On Monday morning, the Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung plans to delay the April 26 U.S. release of its foldable phone until “at least next month.” Later, Samsung confirmed that it was delaying the launch, and will announce the new date “in the coming weeks.”

The change follows a week of PR disasters for Samsung. While Mashable’s Ray Wong found that the Fold makes an impressive first impression, the review units of some technology reporters were rife with technical problems, including glitching screens, and a confusing protective layer that some reporters peeled off. 

Samsung promised to look into what caused the phones to malfunction. At the time, it said that reporters had received European models, so that the problems may be isolated. On April 17, despite the bad press, Samsung insisted it was sticking with its April 26 launch date. 

However, on Sunday, Samsung postponed two press events in Asia scheduled for this week, and SamMobile reported the delay of the Fold’s Chinese release. Then it officially delayed the launch in the U.S. 

On Monday, Samsung said the the problems reported in review units by tech journalists contributed to the decision to hold off on releasing the phone. Samsung said it will be making changes to the devices to improve the durability of the display, and make communication about the protective layer clearer.

Here is Samsung’s statement in full:

We recently unveiled a completely new mobile category: a smartphone using multiple new technologies and materials to create a display that is flexible enough to fold. We are encouraged by the excitement around the Galaxy Fold.

While many reviewers shared with us the vast potential they see, some also showed us how the device needs further improvements that could ensure the best possible user experience.

To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold. We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks.

Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance.

We will take measures to strengthen the display protection. We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold.

We value the trust our customers place in us and they are always our top priority. Samsung is committed to working closely with customers and partners to move the industry forward. We want to thank them for their patience and understanding.