Samsung Galaxy X release date, specs rumors: foldable smartphone that transforms into a tablet to debut this September?

Foldable smartphones may soon become a reality if the latest reports are to be believed, with Samsung becoming the pioneer of this particular technological advancement with the release of the Galaxy X.

According to the Korea Herald, sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Samsung's foldable smartphone, tentatively called the Galaxy X, will arrive later this year.

"Samsung is expected to roll out more than 100,000 units of fold-out devices in the third quarter," the source said.

In terms of design, the source revealed that the Galaxy X was initially a clamshell device but Samsung found that consumers might find it cumbersome to unfold the device every time they want to use it. Now, it is said that the Galaxy X would be a 5-inch smartphone that transforms into an 8-inch tablet when unfolded.

Given the device's release window, reports have suggested that Samsung could launch the foldable smartphone during the IFA trade show in Berlin this September. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with this schedule. Some outlets have said that the touted arrival of the Galaxy X this year is too early and that the first half of 2018 is a more plausible timeline.

A recent report from Business Korea mentioned that the Galaxy X's release is dependent on the availability of polyimide film, a key component in foldable smartphones. The South Korean publication explained that Kolon Industries, a parts supplier for foldable smartphones for both Samsung and LG, is still building the infrastructure that will house the production of polyimide film and won't be able to start mass production until early 2018.

Nevertheless, there is still a chance that Samsung will introduce the Galaxy X this year but won't have it ready for mass consumption for the time being.

"The prototype of the Galaxy X can be appeared this year but the device will be commercialized in earnest in the first half of next year in consideration of a relevant components mass production schedule," an industry official told Business Korea.

It's possible that Samsung may want to be the first to unveil a foldable smartphone considering that its fiercest rivals, LG and Apple, are also said to be preparing for their own versions.