Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be the Pixel Fold 2’s new name (Exclusive)

Google has beforehand launched with simply two telephones in its flagship telephones lineup. This has been the case for the reason that first-generation Pixels again in 2016, however it’s been identified for some time that that is altering with the introduction of a smaller Professional system to the upcoming Pixel 9 lineup.

Nevertheless, due to Google insider, Android Authority has discovered that there may be a fourth Pixel 9 system coming this fall, in a approach we had not anticipated. Google’s subsequent foldable cellphone seems to be to be heading to the lineup as nicely.

In keeping with info obtained by Android Authority, Google has adjusted its naming scheme for the late 2024 Pixel units to be:

• Pixel 9 – codename “tokay”
• Pixel 9 Professional – codename “caiman”
• Pixel 9 Professional XL – codename “komodo”
• Pixel 9 Professional Fold – codename “comet”

These names have additionally been confirmed by a number of the software program constructed for Google’s 2024 units.

It’s value mentioning that Google referred to the system codename “comet” because the “Pixel Fold 2” till a comparatively latest level in improvement. It’s solely potential that the “Pixel 9 Professional Fold” identify isn’t remaining, both. Nevertheless, it’s what Google is utilizing in the meanwhile.

If Google follows by and releases the next-generation foldable as a full-fledged member of the Pixel 9 collection, it will mark an entire 180 from the first-generation Pixel Fold.

The primary Pixel Fold (2023) was an unlucky system: it was introduced at Google I/O, on Could tenth, 2023, making it what Google internally calls a “midyear” system. That was in all probability the primary signal that Google, maybe, wasn’t treating the Fold as a correct flagship launch, prefer it undoubtedly ought to have, given the eye-watering worth of $1,799. Google usually releases Pixel merchandise at two main occasions annually: the autumn occasion, the place flagship Pixel telephones are the headline, and Google I/O in spring, the place we usually see much less high-profile handsets, such because the Pixel A collection.

The Pixel Fold shipped to clients over two months after the unique announcement, in late June. For the launch worth, patrons obtained a nine-month-old processor — the Tensor G2, which was solely barely improved from the unique Tensor — and solely three years of Android model updates. Most likely probably the most unlucky half about it, nevertheless, was the truth that three months later, in October 2023, Google unveiled the Pixel 8 collection. Not solely did it include a massively improved SoC, the Tensor G3, however it additionally boasted seven years of Android model updates. It additionally launched a number of unique software program options, such because the Magic Editor and assist for Gemini Nano LLM with options like summarize within the Recorder app.

If Google decides to go ahead with the brand new identify, it may imply it desires to extra intently combine the subsequent Fold into its flagship tier, moderately than leaving it as a separate, area of interest, and overpriced system that has felt like a little bit of an afterthought in comparison with different units in Google’s lineup.

We’ve already seen a technique through which Google is doing simply this. As revealed earlier than by Android Authority, the second-gen Pixel Fold will skip the Tensor G3 and use a brand new Tensor G4 chip as an alternative. That alone addresses one of many main points with the unique Pixel Fold. Moreover, the leaked renders present that the design of the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is nearer to that of different Pixel 9 units, in contrast to the unique Pixel Fold, which appeared extra just like the Pixel 7 than the Pixel 8.

Curiously, a transfer like this might additionally make Google the one producer to combine its foldable units into the “foremost” household of units. Different manufacturers make fully separate lineups of foldable smartphones, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z or Motorola’s Razr. It could present Google’s dedication by making its foldable an choice when shopping for a flagship Pixel, moderately than a separate selection that seems like a special system.

It’s fascinating to see a transfer like this from Google after it handled the unique Pixel Fold like a little bit of a second-tier flagship. We’ll definitely regulate the handset to see if it actually lives as much as its new identify, ought to Google resolve to go ahead with this totally different identify and strategy. We’ll even have to attend and see if this implies a change of date, and if the cellphone will debut alongside the remainder of the Pixel 9 collection in October moderately than at Google I/O in Could.