Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Could Be the First Foldable Phone With Full IP68 Rating

Google’s next foldable might just set a new standard for durability in folding phones—and it’s coming sooner than you think.

There’s a lot to unpack with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but the headline is clear: we could be looking at the first foldable with a full IP68 rating. That means real dust protection, not just water resistance. For a category that’s always been fragile, this is a pretty big deal.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold Inches Closer to Becoming the Toughest Foldable Yet

A new leak suggests the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could become the first foldable phone to offer an IP68 rating—protection against both dust and water.

Right now, most foldables, like the Galaxy Z Fold5 and even the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, only manage an IPX8 rating. That covers water but leaves dust out of the equation. And as any user knows, it’s the little particles—sand, lint, and grime—that ruin hinges and displays over time.

So why does IP68 matter so much? Because it covers both. The 6 in IP68 means full dust resistance. The 8 means it can survive being dunked in water for 30 minutes or more. For foldables, this would be a first.

Still, Google may have some competition.

Galaxy Z Fold7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold — Who Gets There First?

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to launch on July 9th. Some sources say it might be the actual first foldable with an IP68 rating.

That could steal some thunder from Google’s August launch, but only if Samsung delivers. And that’s a big “if.”

Meanwhile, vivo is pushing the limits too. Their X Fold5 is about to debut with a wild combination of IPX8 (3-meter water), IPX9 (high-temp pressure), and IP9+ (underwater folding). Impressive? Absolutely. But it still doesn’t touch the IP6X dust protection Google is aiming for.

At this point, it’s a race—and the margins are razor thin.

Thinner, Smoother, Bigger — A New Take on the Foldable Form

Another standout feature coming to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold? A slimmer hinge. That’s not just for looks—it makes a big difference in how the phone feels in your hand.

The Pixel Fold series has always been a bit on the chunkier side. Google seems to have heard the feedback. Reports suggest the new hinge design not only reduces thickness but also feels smoother and sturdier when opening and closing.

And there’s more.

• Outer screen gets bumped to 6.4 inches (from 5.8″)

• Less bezel, more usable space

• Foldable panel still expected to be OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate

A bigger cover screen could make the Pixel 10 Pro Fold easier to use when shut—more like a regular phone and less like a remote control.

Cameras Get a Boost—But No Wild Surprises

Google’s sticking to what it does best here. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will feature the same 50MP Samsung GN8 sensor as the standard Pixel 10. It’s large (1/1.95″) and sharp, offering better low-light performance than the 48MP Sony IMX787 found in the 9 Pro Fold.

Ultra-wide and selfie fans won’t see major upgrades though:

• 12MP ultra-wide camera stays the same

• 11MP front camera also carried over from Pixel 9 Pro Fold

To be fair, Pixel phones have always leaned heavily on software for image quality. Don’t expect the numbers alone to tell the full story.

Key Dates to Keep an Eye On

Here’s the calendar, plain and simple:

If you’re someone who likes to get in early, those pre-order and shipping dates might be worth bookmarking.

What’s Still Missing? The Fold Factor X

There’s still one big unknown: how durable will the folding screen itself be?

Sure, IP68 is great, but foldables break in other ways—creasing, bending, even tearing under stress. Google hasn’t confirmed any new ultra-thin glass improvements or screen layering enhancements.

The hinge may be slimmer, but if the display wears out quickly, it won’t matter.

And while we’re at it—where’s the Tensor G5 chip? Leaks have mentioned it vaguely, but there’s been no solid info. No word on RAM options either. All we know so far is based on CAD renders and scattered specs.

A lot could still change.