Google might impose hardware requirements for foldables

A fresh piece of evidence has emerged that suggests Google might implement the hardware specifications for foldables. Naturally, this would apply to upcoming foldable cellphones.

Google might draw the line and impose specifications for the next foldable device

This information is provided by Mishaal Rahman, who claims that Google is seeking assurances regarding the durability of upcoming foldable smartphones. It would be estimated that the gadgets would last at least 200,000-fold-and-unfold cycles. It would take you ten years to go through 200,000 cycles if you opened your phone 50 times every day.

Google would also have specifications for the hinge. Any device having a “torque hinge” would have to keep at least 80% of its initial torque even after 200,000 cycles.

Finally, Google might also mandate that OEMs provide its foldables with three years of security patches and at least two significant OS updates. That shouldn’t be a problem because many Android smartphone OEMs go above and beyond that.

For consumers, this is truly fantastic news. About foldables, Google wants to ensure a particular level of quality, and it has the authority to do so thanks to the software it offers to smartphone OEMs.

In a recent folding test, the Motorola Razr+ didn’t perform all that well

As some of you may remember, the Motorola Razr+, also known as the Razr 40 Ultra, recently broke after 126,266 folds, despite Motorola’s claims that it could withstand 400,000 cycles. Although it might just be a coincidence, it falls below the standard, for instance. It’s also important to note that it occurred after 126,266 consecutive consistent fold and unfold cycles. It’s true, however, that Google would require a phone to be able to manage that.

On the other hand, a recent folding test revealed some torque concerns with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. It performed admirably in that test, but after 223,000 folds, it lost its capacity to maintain half-closed angles. Google would also demand a particular standard in that case. It would probably draw the line at 200,000 folds, like general folds.

For now, it’s just a rumor. We’ll see when it’s confirmed by Google.