AT&T isn’t carrying the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold — here’s why that’s a big deal

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold on table mid fold
(Image credit: Future)

Google just announced a refresh of the Pixel lineup at its Made By Google event, and already it turns out you might not be able to find one of the devices at every carrier. 

A new report from CNET, claims that the network carrier AT&T will not be offering the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Outside of unlocked phones, the decisions appears to lock Google out of reaching the 88 million mobile subscribers the carrier reportedly has, according to a Statista report.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold HANDS ON: World’s Biggest Foldable! - YouTube Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold HANDS ON: World’s Biggest Foldable! - YouTube
Watch On

It's a surprising omission by AT&T considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold might quickly become one of the best foldable phones. AT&T currently offers the original Google Pixel Fold and has done so since it launched last year. Product pages on the company's website suggest AT&T is planning to sell the rest of the Pixel lineup, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as the two new Pixel Watch 3 smartwatches.

Without a clear explanation from the company it's hard to say why AT&T is opting to forgo the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Our chief speculation is that the original Pixel Fold may not have sold well enough for AT&T to consider offering the next generation. 

Tom's Guide reached out to AT&T for more details and to ask if AT&T will honor unlocked Pixel 9 Pro Fold phones. As of this writing, AT&T has not responded.

The new version of Google's foldable phone is more integrated into the main Pixel 9 lineup now and has many of the same hardware and software features that you'll find in the Pixel 9 series. This includes the new powerful Tensor G4 chip, integrated Gemini AI, and a super thin design.  In our hands-on Pixel 9 Pro Fold review, Tom's Guide Global Editor Mark Spoonauer said, "I'm excited with everything Google has brought to the table with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It's not only the most improved foldable, it could be the new foldable phone to beat."

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will officially go on sale on September 4 starting at $1,799, and Verizon and T-Mobile appear ready to sell Google's new foldable phone.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him.