Foldable Phone Users Have Encountered Call Issues
Motorola and Samsung users report outgoing call failures while using Android Auto with closed devices.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Telecommunications
Live Poll
Do you trust that your smart devices will perform their advertised functions in any physical state?
Motorola and Samsung foldable phone users have reported an inability to initiate outgoing calls via voice commands while their devices remain in a closed state. The issue persists specifically when the phones are connected to the Android Auto platform.
Why it matters
The bug restricts hands-free functionality for drivers, a core safety and convenience feature of the Android Auto ecosystem. Users are forced to open their devices manually to place calls, defeating the purpose of the integrated voice-command system.
While the system interface incorrectly displays that a call is in progress after a voice command, the connection fails to initiate when the device is closed. Incoming calls continue to function correctly in all device states.
The players
Motorola
This telecommunications equipment corporation is a leading manufacturer of mobile devices and is currently investigating the technical bug.
Samsung
This multinational electronics conglomerate produces a wide range of consumer technology, including the clamshell foldable phones impacted by the calling issue.
This technology company develops the Android Auto software platform and the Gemini AI assistant currently under investigation for the functionality failure.
The details
The technical conflict appears to have surfaced after Gemini replaced Google Assistant as the primary voice interface. Motorola and Google are currently investigating the matter to determine the root cause and develop a resolution for affected users.
Timeline
User reports regarding the calling bug emerged in September 2026.
The Tech Race
This integration issue highlights the complexities of replacing legacy voice assistants with more advanced generative AI models. It underscores the challenges manufacturers face in maintaining cross-platform stability during rapid transitions to new AI-driven software environments.
Drivers relying on hands-free calling through Android Auto must keep their phones open or use the device interface directly to ensure calls connect properly. Users should monitor their devices for future software updates from Google that may address the current incompatibility.
The takeaway
Users experiencing this bug should temporarily keep their phones in an open state to ensure voice commands remain functional while driving. Manufacturers and software providers are expected to release a patch once the underlying technical conflict is resolved.
Further reading
For more on the current state of mobile connectivity, see our coverage of Telecommunications.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your smart devices will perform their advertised functions in any physical state?
