Google is shaking up its foldable smartphone lineup by revealing that the upcoming Pixel Fold 2 will now be known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This name change suggests Google is aiming to rebrand its foldable devices and perhaps align them more closely with its existing flagship smartphone series. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to debut in October, in contrast to its predecessor, which was unveiled at Google I/O in May.
In addition to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google is rumored to announce three other smartphones in October – the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. These devices are anticipated to incorporate the Tensor G4 chipset, signaling a significant upgrade in performance from their predecessors. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are likely successors to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 9 Pro is expected to offer a smaller form factor with premium features akin to the Pro series.
The decision to rename the Pixel Fold 2 to Pixel 9 Pro Fold underscores Google’s commitment to its foldable smartphone category and hints at a strategic shift in its product naming conventions. As the tech giant gears up for a busy hardware unveiling event in October, consumers can expect a diverse range of Pixel devices that cater to different preferences and needs in the smartphone market. It will be interesting to see how Google differentiates its foldable offering within the competitive landscape of mobile devices.