The Samsung Galaxy Fold is finally set to launch in the US this week – months after its bid to become one of the best smartphones was postponed by the South Korean company due to reviewer feedback.
Serial mobile tipster Evan Blass, perhaps better known by his @evleaks Twitter handle, first brought us the news on social media when he shared an exchange between an AT&T customer support representative and a prospective buyer of the device.
In it, the company rep reveals that the Fold's "release date has been announced for 9/27," which is this Friday.
Shortly thereafter, Samsung made the news official in a press release.
Galaxy Fold US price and release date
While it always pays to be cautious when it comes to mobile phone leaks, Blass' strong track record, combined with the fact the Galaxy Fold has already launched in both the UK and South Korea, meant that the mooted Friday, September 27 release date was odds-on to be accurate.
It marks the culmination of a long journey for Samsung's foldable phone, which was first announced back in April, only to be pulled days before its expected launch due to issues with the device's screen.
Nevertheless, it's still the first commercially viable foldable smartphone to come to market – though tasting the would-be future of mobile technology comes at a cost.
SIM-free pricing for the Galaxy Fold starts at $1,980 in the US, which strongly suggests there will be configurations and variants that comfortably clear the $2,000 mark – making the iPhone 11 Pro looks like a happy hour deal by comparison.
On contract, you can expect similarly eye-watering figures.
While carrier tariffs have yet to be finalized, it looks like AT&T is the Fold's exclusive launch partner, and we'd expect it to cost at least $100 a month based on how network pricing looks in the UK.
As well as buying it through AT&T, you'll also be able to get your hands-on the Galaxy Fold at Samsung Experiences stores and Best Buy.
Two color options are available at launch, with the Galaxy Fold coming in Cosmos Black and Space Silver.
