Samsung, Lenovo pull out of in-person MWC 2021

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Two more tech companies pull out of the upcoming in-person Mobile World Congress scheduled for June 28 to July 1. Samsung and Lenovo join companies like Google, Nokia, IBM, Sony, Oracle, and Ericsson, who have cancelled their appearances at the show. 

"The health and safety of our employees, partners, and customers is our number one priority, so we have made the decision to withdraw from exhibiting in-person at this year's Mobile World Congress," Samsung said in a statement provided to TechCrunch. "We look forward to participating virtually and continuing to work with GSMA and industry partners to advance new mobile experiences."

After Samsung's announcement, the GSMA, MWC's governing board, told the publication, " Of course we respect that planning in a pandemic is complicated. Samsung will adapt their presence to virtual for MWC21 and we look forward to seeing them in person 2022."

Shortly after Samsung announced it wasn't attending MWC, Lenovo confirmed with TechCrunch it won't be attending the event either.

"Lenovo is not attending in person but will participate in the virtual partner program," the company said in a statement.

Right now, some key hardware companies are still up on MWC's official exhibitor list, including Xiaomi, ZTE, and LG. Although we aren't sure about LG's plans, the company pulled out of the smartphone business earlier this year.