[ET NEWS] Samsung Electronics is expected to start production of its first foldable smartphone in November, before its mass-market debut possibly in December or early next year, industry sources said on Jan. 9.



Sources say the Korean tech giant has recently decided the phone’s final specifications and production plans. The crucial display development will be completed by March for the panel production to start from September.











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The phone is likely to have a 7.3-inch OLED display that folds inside. Samsung Display is testing the prototype to ensure parts are not damaged by continual fold and unfolding while preventing detachment between panel layers and adhesives, also known as decoupling.



Sources say Samsung plans to unveil the foldable display in a private meeting with key clients during this week’s CES trade show in Las Vegas.



The upcoming phone is likely to become Samsung’s most expansive model ever that would lead the world’s largest smartphone maker’s premium push in the coming years.



A Samsung spokesperson declined to confirm the production schedule.



By Yoon Kun-il and Bae Ok-jin

(benyun@etnews.com) (withok@etnews.com) (jylee@heraldcorp.com)