The canceled 2020 Pixel Fold just appeared in the wild and it looks like a foldable Pixel 6

Image credit — Android Authority

The Google Pixel Fold wasn’t Google’s first attempt at creating a foldable phone. In fact, Google already had a prototype ready a year before the Pixel folding was released, but it was dropped because it wasn’t considered good enough.

However, photos that recently surfaced in the wild have revealed the design and specifications of this canceled Pixel foldable, codenamed “pipit.” The design of “pipit” is surprisingly similar to that of the commercialized version Pixel Foldfeaturing the same unusual aspect ratio, bezel, hinge, and matte rear glass. The main difference is the camera bar, with “pipit” sporting a seamless glass bar resembling the Pixel 6, while the Pixel Folding has a smaller metal camera island, similar to the Pixel 7 Pro.

This prototype “pipit” found its way to a market, where someone intended to sell it. The potential buyer found this strange and took to the internet to find out what it was, where he was eventually identified. Now here we are with photos (albeit poor quality) of what might have been years ago.

The canceled Pixel Fold of 2020 just appeared in the wild and it looks like a foldable Pixel 6

Presumed “Pipit” Pixel Fold prototype | Photo credit — Android Authority

The prototype specifications revealed that the device was expected to run the first generation Tensor with the Exynos 5123 modem with a Sony IMX363 camera (introduced on the Pixel 3), degraded sensors, and no telephoto lens. The outer screen had to be slightly smaller than Pixel Folding (66 x 128 mm vs. 67 x 130 mm) with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,100 pixels. However, the internal screen has not changed from what we see on the Pixel Folding NOW.

Why was “Pipit” cancelled?

Although the exact reason for “Pipit”‘s cancellation remains unclear, the timeline for its potential release provides some clues. If released, “pipit” would have launched alongside the Pixel 6a and a canceled Pixel tablet at Google I/O 2022. This would have made it one of the first devices to run Android 12L, the optimized version of Android for Google’s big screen. , the launch of Pixel 6 The series and Android 12 were plagued with bugs. While Android 12L fixed some issues, it was still not stable and many features were postponed. It is likely that Google decided to delay the tablet and foldable to ensure software stability and make necessary hardware adjustments.

The Legacy of “Pipit”

Although canceled, “pipit” was not a total failure. Many Google employees reportedly used prototypes as everyday devices, and the first generation Pixel Folding clearly built on hardware and software developed for “pipit”.

To see the Pixel 6 The camera visor on a foldable triggered my memories of longing for that form factor back in the day and increased my excitement for what the upcoming Pixel Fold 2 will bring to the table. Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long, because August is just around the corner.