‘Android 12.1 code contains references to foldable Google Pixel smartphone’

Google seems to be testing a new Pixel foldable internally. There would be references to the device, which is codenamed ‘Jumbojack’, in a test version of Android 12.1. At the same time, Google was said to be working on another foldable called “Passport,” which was set to release later this year.

Anonymous sources familiar with Android development tell 9to5Google that Google is working on a mid-cycle release of Android, dubbed Android 12.1 for the time being. Its source code would contain references to the Jumbojack foldable. 9to5Google was able to confirm the existence of a Jumbojack prototype in documentation that the website has previously seen.

According to the sources, this Jumbojack foldable will have two screens, one of which turns off as soon as the device is folded. However, it is not yet known what design the foldable will have. The Jumbojack code name may be a reference to the Jumbo Jack cheeseburger from American fast food chain Jack in the Box, writes 9to5Google. That could mean that the device folds up like a ‘hamburger’, just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, and so can’t be folded like a ‘hot dog’ like the Galaxy Z Fold.

It is not yet known if and when the Jumbojack device will be available to consumers. It is possible that Google will only use the device for internal testing, such as testing new foldable features in Android. However, the sources report that Google specifically refers to the foldable as a Pixel device. That would suggest that the device is intended for a final release.

Rumors have been circulating for some time about the release of a foldable Google Pixel smartphone. Well-known leaker Evan Blass reported on Monday that Google is still working on a Pixel foldable phone codenamed “Passport.” That foldable would be a different device than the Jackbox phone from the Android 12.1 code. According to Evan Blass, the Pixel Passport smartphone will be released this year. It is not yet clear which brand name Google will use for this and a concrete release date has not yet been announced. Google is coming this fall with its Pixel 6 smartphones, although those phones are not foldable.