Samsung Electronics is highly likely to unveil
foldable smartphones in the third quarter of this year, according to sources familiar with the matter. "Samsung is expected to roll out more than 100,000 units of fold-out devices in the third quarter," a source told The Korea Herald. The smartphone, whose panels face outward upon folding, may be used as a 7-inch tablet when unfolded, he said. Samsung, had initially completed the development of fold-in phones that tuck the screen inside when folded. It began the development of fold-out technologies around August, deeming that users may find it inconvenient to unfold the phones every time they want to use them. "Since the company already secured fold-in phone technology, it was not a big challenge to shift into the fold-out phones," he said.