Samsung exec says Galaxy Fold finally 'ready to hit the market'

Originally intended to launch in April, the Galaxy Fold is finally on the verge of reaching the public, a Samsung executive said.

"Most of the display problems have been ironed out, and the Galaxy Fold is ready to hit the market," Samsung Display Vice President Kim Seong-cheol claimed at an event in Seoul earlier this week, according to The Korea Herald. The company has yet to announce a formal release date, despite having long promised news "in the coming weeks."

The Fold is not only Samsung's first commercial foldable device but the first from a major smartphone vendor. While usable with a 4.6-inch exterior display, it unfolds to reveal a 7.3-inch screen, not much smaller than the 7.9-inch iPad mini — albeit at a cost of $1,980.

The company was forced to scrap the April premiere after reviewers began breaking the interior display with little effort, usually along the hinge. Since then it has been working to improve durability, including sealing against debris.

Some reviewers accidentally peeled away a critical layer, thinking it was a screen protector. Shipping Folds should have clear warnings.

Apple has been exploring the concept of its own foldable devices, but there's no sign of them shipping anytime soon.