OnePlus has announced that it will be releasing its first foldable smartphone in the second half of 2023. This revelation comes as the company continues to make headlines with its latest experimental phone which is set to have liquid cooling capabilities. With this announcement, OnePlus has confirmed previous rumors that it is working on a foldable device similar to Samsung‘s offerings.

At the OnePlus 11 event earlier this month, the company teased a mysterious Q3 2023 launch with what seemed to be silhouettes of devices that fold in the background. However, the company did not reveal any details about the device it plans to release. Despite the confirmation, OnePlus has remained tight-lipped on what the foldable device would entail.

According to a report by XDA Developers in January, the China National Intellectual Property Administration had two trademark listings for a OnePlus V Fold and a OnePlus V Flip. However, in its announcement, OnePlus only talked about one smartphone, leaving it unclear whether it is developing two devices at the moment.

OnePlus’ President and COO, Kinder Liu, said at the event, “Our first foldable phone will have the signature OnePlus fast and smooth experience. It must be a flagship phone that doesn’t settle because of its folding form, in terms of industrial design, mechanical technology, and other aspects. We want to launch a device that aims to be at the pinnacle experience of today’s foldable market.”

The company has promised to release more details about its foldable device in the coming months, leaving fans and tech enthusiasts eagerly waiting for more information. In addition to the announcement of the foldable device, OnePlus also shared its plans to build a more cohesive ecosystem within the next three to five years. This ecosystem will enable OnePlus to provide a seamless connection across its phones, tablets, wearables, and internet-of-things devices.

The announcement of the launch of OnePlus’ first foldable smartphone is a significant milestone for the company. With this move, OnePlus is set to join the foldable device market dominated by Samsung and Huawei. OnePlus’ promise to release a flagship phone with a smooth and fast experience suggests that the device will be highly competitive. Additionally, the company’s plan to build a more cohesive ecosystem is a strategic move that could make it more attractive to users who value seamless connectivity across their devices. It will be interesting to see what else OnePlus has in store for its fans and tech enthusiasts in the coming months.