If you’re a smartphone user (and these days who isn’t?), you might be familiar with the new kid on the block: the foldable smartphone. In the US, both Samsung and Google have phones in the market that offer this unique folding feature. And this August we’ll be launching our first-ever car mount designed specifically for use with these new larger, foldable phones.
Here’s an inside look at how we designed the Auto Sense 2 Fold from initial concept to final product along with some sneak peek photos. But first, a quick look back at the history of the foldable phone in the US.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FOLDABLE PHONE IN THE US
In 2019 the US was introduced to its first foldable phone: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. And while that initial foray into the world of foldables left something to be desired (I’m looking at you, broken screen displays) it got the world excited for a future full of foldable devices.
Samsung went on to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, and soon to be 5, while just this past March Google entered the field with the Pixel Fold. And rumors continue to swirl about when Apple might debut their own foldable.
For anyone not already in the know, a foldable makes use of flexible, plastic OLED displays, rather than glass, to essentially create a device that, when folded, resembles a standard smartphone which can then be opened into a larger tablet-sized device.
Foldables have two screens, or displays: a smaller one on the outside of the device and a larger one on the inside. It’s a wonderfully futuristic-feeling gadget that makes what may once have seemed like a bit of science fiction a reality.
And consumers have responded positively to these new foldable phones. In 2022, the total number of foldable smartphone sales in the US reached 12.9 million units, up 62% from the previous year. By the end of 2023, the estimated total sales is expected to reach 19.8 million units.
WHY WE DECIDED TO MAKE A CAR MOUNT FOR FOLDABLE PHONES
In the years since the Galaxy Z Fold first launched, tons of companies have released new cases designed to accommodate the unique foldable nature of these smartphones. However, one accessory category that has been notably lacking for foldables is a compatible wireless charging car mount.
With their wider displays and coil charging designs, most foldables don’t fit comfortably in the car mounts currently on the market. And even for mounts that can be configured to accommodate foldables, wireless charging is often not supported.
From this need came the idea for the Auto Sense 2 Fold, an automatic clamping, wireless charging car mount designed specifically for foldable smartphones.
A LOOK AT OUR DESIGN PROCESS
When we set out to design a wireless charging car mount for foldables, we wanted to provide users with an intuitive experience that matched the high-tech performance of their phones. So we decided to build-on and improve upon one of our most popular car mounts – the Auto Sense – which uses a proximity sensor to detect when your phone is near and automatically open and close to secure your device.
In addition to simply making the mount larger, we also had to consider the charging coil placement of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Pixel Fold. We ended up with a unique two coil design that provides efficient wireless charging on contact, whether you mount your phone in portrait or landscape mode, folded or opened.
And because premium quality build was another significant design factor for us, we not only sought out Qi-certification for wireless fast charging up to 15W, but also worked with Google to have the mount certified as a Made for Google product.
EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE AUTO SENSE 2 FOLD
You already know that the Auto Sense 2 Fold is a Qi-certified, Made for Google, automatic mounting, wireless charging car mount designed for foldable phones. Here are all the other important features that make this mount noteworthy.
First, it’s a dash mount that installs securely on your vehicle dashboard via a dashboard pad (to keep your dash pristine) and a suction cup with a super sticky gel that adheres to the pad and forms a strong bond. If you need to reposition the mount, all you need to do is rinse the suction cup under warm water and let it air dry to restore the tacky suction.
The telescopic mount arm extends from 4.5” to 6.75” and rotates on a 260° arc so you can position the mount exactly where you need it. The cradle features a versatile ball joint that rotates, swivels, and tilts giving you further control over the angle of your phone for easy viewing. Plus, the bottom foot of the mount extends to accommodate your foldable of choice, however you chose to mount it.
Lastly, the Auto Sense 2 Fold comes in eco-friendly packaging that is 100% recyclable and plastic free so you can feel good about your purchase.
AUTO SENSE 2 FOLD RELEASE DATE
The Auto Sense 2 Fold will be launching on iOttie.com and Amazon in November, and in the Google store on December 6. Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all our product launches including the Auto Sense 2 Fold.
