Google foldable phone was first reported back in August 2020 and it was in development under the codename “Passport.” It was initially scheduled to be released in late 2021. Since then it appeared a handful of times, including in the Google Camera app and in the Android 12 Beta codes. It looks like Google seems to have shifted from the original Passport model to a new foldable phone, which is now called ‘Pipit.’

It is unclear what changes Google has made to the hardware but this isn’t the first time that Google has changed the codename during mid-development. For instance, the Pixel Slate was developed as “Meowth” when it was planned to ship with Intel’s Cannon Lake processors but that was delayed and Google built the Pixel Slate on older Intel processors under the code name “Nocturne.”

Google Pixel Fold Camera

The Google foldable, Pipit will feature a 12MP Sony IMX386 sensor and if Pixel 6’s camera layout is any evidence, it should be accompanied by an ultra-wide-angle lens. However, there seems to be a catch as the ultra-wide-sensor is tagged with “Folded,” which might be an indication that it would be used when the phone is folded. Furthermore, the foldable will be equipped with a couple of 8MP Sony IMX355 sensors, one tagged as ‘inner and the other as ‘outer’. Past Pixel phones, including the latest Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have used the Sony IMX355 as a front-facing camera. We can speculate that Google wants to get the same picture results when folded or unfolded. 

Also read: Google Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL will be compatible with Android 12L

Google Pixel Fold release window

In other files related to the Google Camera app, there is a reference to “isPixel2022Foldable” present, which could be a real signal of when the Pixel Fold will finally arrive. Google’s Android 12L, a new OS that is built for tablets and foldable is set to launch in the first half of 2022, probably in time for the Pixel Fold launch.