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"To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold. We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks."

The postponement may help Samsung avoid the deeper troubles of selling consumers faulty devices. The company suffered a major setback in 2016 with the recall of the Note 7 smartphone, which showed a tendency to burst into flames. The episode cost the company billions of dollars in losses and damaged its reputation as it battled Apple in the premium smartphone market.

Samsung has rebounded since then and was counting on the Galaxy Fold to extend its smartphone dominance while fending off emerging Chinese rivals such as Huawei. The foldable device, unveiled along with the flagship Galaxy S10 model earlier this year, has a 7.3-inch screen that unfolds into a tablet. Pre-orders began in mid April.

The delay is unlikely to have a significant financial impact on the company. Samsung, which spent eight years developing the Galaxy Fold, forecast it would produce at least 1 million units this year, a fraction of its overall shipments.