With the Galaxy Note 7 now officially detailed and set for a September release, Samsung could be banking on high sales of the 'phablet' as the company's much-rumoured foldable smartphone seems more and more unlikely to launch in 2016.

Recent speculation pointed toward Samsung's foldable flagship being revealed alongside the Note 7 at the launch event on 2 August, however the presentation was dedicated to the impressive 5.7in Android device, with only a minor diversion during the unveiling of the new Gear VR headset.

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While some reports speculated that the fruits of Samsung's Project Valley experiments could lead to a retail-ready product before the end of 2016, Samsung Mobile chief Koh Dong Jin has confirmed that the wait for the foldable device - widely referred to as the Galaxy X - will continue into at least 2017.

"We need more time to provide meaningful innovations and convenience considering the current status of technology," Koh told The Korea Times (via Sammobile). "We need serious changes in software and user experience to build foldable smartphones and this will certainly take time."

Koh noted that the company expects devices with folding displays to start a "ripple effect in the industry" and as such is unwilling to "distribute the technology until the accompanying software has been developed to make it worthwhile."

While the Galaxy X could emerge at IFA Berlin in September, it would appear from Koh's comments that Samsung's foldable tech may stay under wraps for a little longer. Nevertheless, with LG Display entering into partnerships with OLED technology companies alongside the announcement that it will invest £1.33bn in the production of flexible OLED displays, the appetite for folding smartphones certainly seems to be increasing among the elite Android manufacturers.

You can read everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy X here.

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