Foldable phones have long struggled to match slab phones in durability—especially in terms of dust resistance. That may all be about to change.
Leaks Suggest IP68 for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Multiple sources now claim that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will carry a full IP68 rating, making it dust‑proof as well as water‑resistant.
- TechRadar notes that Pixel 10 Pro Fold is being positioned as the first foldable phone with complete protection against dust and water immersion.
- Android Central confirms that Google’s new gearless hinge design plays a major role in achieving this sealing.
- Earlier leaks also show that IP68 is a key spec in spec dumps for the Fold.
If true, this would be a notable jump: previous Pixel foldables and many competing foldables lacked full dust sealing (often rated water only or limited dust protection).
What Full Protection Means for Case Design
To truly leverage an IP68 foldable device, cases will need to adapt in several ways:
| Feature | Why It Matters & What Case Designers Must Do |
|---|---|
| Sealed edges & seams | Even the tightest hinge and port openings become weak spots. Cases should incorporate rubber gaskets, micro‑seals, or overlapping edges to prevent dust ingress. |
| Hinge guard / protective sealing | The hinge is a natural entry point for particles. A good case must wrap around or bridge the hinge area without restricting movement. |
| Port covers / flaps | Dust accumulates in SIM, charging, speaker, or stylus ports. Removable flaps (soft rubber CAPS) help maintain protection while allowing access. |
| Raised bezels & lip protection | To guard screens and camera plates from scratches when placed on surfaces, and to stop micro abrasions. |
| Materials that don’t degrade seals | Some plastics or adhesives lose flexibility over time, so use durable TPU, silicone blends, or reinforced polymers that retain sealing. |
| Magnetic / Qi2 support integration | With magnetic charging like Pixelsnap, cases must maintain alignment yet not compromise the seal or rigidity. |
When IP68 protection is built-in, a suitable case becomes essential to preserve it—because even a perfect phone can lose protection if the case allows dust in over time.
Why You’ll Want a Rugged or Sealing‑Edge Case (Even If It’s IP68)
- Even with IP68, everyday exposure to grit, sand, or dusty environments can test the device’s weakest points—ports, seams, corners.
- A case with dust-blocking seals and impact defense adds a second layer of protection.
- When you combine full device protection with a case that respects fold mechanics, the result is a device that feels rugged and usable.
In our lineup, we’re already designing Pixel Fold cases with hinge bridges, port flaps, and sealing edges so you don’t have to choose between protection or flexibility.
External Sources
- Android Central — “How Pixel 10 Pro Fold achieved IP68 with a gearless hinge” Android Central
- TechRadar — “The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first IP68 folding phone” TechRadar
- 9to5Google — Pixel 10 Pro Fold specs leak including IP68 rating 9to5Google
- GadgetHacks — coverage of the IP68 claim and implications for foldables Gadget Hacks
