Updated: Samsung Officially Delays Galaxy Fold Launch Following High-Profile Display Failures

It looked as if Samsung had a hit on its hands with the Samsung Galaxy Fold that hit preorder in the U.S. stage earlier this month and sold out quickly. Not long after Samsung's seemingly successful preorder for the device, word started to surface from reviewers at multiple outlets that the folding screen was failing; something that Samsung has vowed to investigate.

Samsung had a launch for the device in China slated for April 24, and it is being reported that the event is being postponed. Samsung isn't stating that it is postponing the Chinese launch due to the screen failures; it has given no official reason for the delay. Official comment or not, the screen failure issue is widely viewed as a contributing factor.

CNBC reports that it reached out to Samsung to see if the postponed launch of the device in China would impact when the Galaxy Fold goes on sale in other countries and received no response. Samsung has admitted that it received reports of screen failures on some of the Galaxy Fold review units that it sent out. Some of those reviewers reported that the protective film over the display failed prematurely, while others pulled off mistakenly thinking it was a factory-applied screen protector.

Samsung has offered no insight into if the screen issues will delay shipment of the Fold smartphones that have been preordered, but a major failure of a flagship product is the last thing that Samsung needs right now. The Galaxy Fold was recently torn down giving a good look at the dual batteries and folding screens pulled outside of the chassis.

Updated 4/22/2019 @ 2:45pm
Samsung  has officially postponed the launch of the Galaxy Fold citing concerns over the performance of the folding display. 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.