Key Facts

• Headline: Samsung’s next Galaxy Z foldables will give you plenty of AI love with Gemini Intelligence
• Key Fact 1: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 will ship with One UI 9 and Google’s Gemini Intelligence, enabling cross-app task automation.
• Key Fact 2: Gemini Intelligence can follow a chain of actions across apps, such as moving items from a notes app to a delivery app cart and completing payment.
• Key Fact 3: Samsung introduced app-launching behavior with One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, but One UI 9 will handle multiple apps in one request.
• Key Fact 4: The Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are first in line for Gemini Intelligence, helping Samsung justify the premium price of foldables through software.
• Key Fact 5: Gemini Intelligence is not included in the One UI 9 beta; it will arrive in the final release, with app compatibility and speed being key tests.
• Key Fact 6: Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in July 2025.
• Key Fact 7: Pricing and regional availability remain unknown; buyers are advised to wait for live demos before upgrading.

Background on Samsung Foldables

Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable smartphone market since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. The company has since iterated annually, refining hinge mechanisms, display durability, and software optimization. The Galaxy Z Fold series targets productivity users who want a tablet-sized screen in a pocketable form, while the Galaxy Z Flip series appeals to those seeking a compact, clamshell design with a focus on style and portability. Over the years, Samsung has introduced features like Flex Mode, which allows apps to adapt to the folded screen, and enhanced multitasking through App Pair and the taskbar. However, as competition from Chinese brands like Huawei, Oppo, and Honor intensifies, Samsung has faced pressure to differentiate its foldables beyond hardware. Software innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, has become a critical battleground. The introduction of Galaxy AI in early 2024 marked Samsung’s push into on-device AI, offering features like live translation, photo editing, and note summarization. Gemini Intelligence represents the next evolution, aiming to make the assistant more proactive and capable of handling real-world workflows.

What is Gemini Intelligence?

Gemini Intelligence is a new AI layer developed by Google and integrated into Samsung’s One UI 9. Unlike traditional voice assistants that respond to individual commands, Gemini Intelligence is designed to understand context and execute sequences of actions across multiple apps. For example, a user could ask the assistant to “plan a dinner party” and Gemini Intelligence would automatically create a shopping list in a notes app, open a grocery delivery app, populate the cart with the listed items, and then prompt the user to review and pay. This reduces the number of manual taps from dozens to just a few. The system relies on deep integration with Google’s suite of services, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Maps, as well as Samsung’s own apps. Google has been developing similar capabilities through its Gemini models, which are also used in Pixel devices and web services. Samsung’s collaboration with Google ensures that Gemini Intelligence can access a wide range of app APIs, but success will depend on how smoothly it handles real-world edge cases, such as items that are out of stock or payments that require authentication.

How it Works and Why It Matters

The key innovation of Gemini Intelligence lies in its ability to chain actions. Current AI assistants, including Bixby and standard Google Assistant, typically handle one request at a time. You can ask them to set a timer, but you cannot ask them to “send a text to John saying I’ll be late, then add 15 minutes to my calendar event.” Gemini Intelligence bridges that gap. In the context of a foldable phone, this capability is particularly valuable because large screens are ideal for multitasking, but the number of steps required to switch between apps can be cumbersome. By automating routine sequences, Samsung hopes to save users significant time. For instance, a business user could ask Gemini Intelligence to “summarize the latest email thread, draft a reply, and schedule a meeting for next Tuesday.” The assistant would pull the email content, generate a response, and create a calendar event—all without leaving the conversation. This level of integration requires robust natural language understanding and real-time data processing, both of which are provided by Google’s Gemini models running on the device and in the cloud. Samsung has emphasized that privacy safeguards will be in place, with sensitive tasks processed locally when possible.

Why Foldables Get It First

Samsung’s decision to debut Gemini Intelligence on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 is strategic. Foldables carry a higher price tag—typically exceeding $1,000—and manufacturers must demonstrate that these devices offer unique value over traditional slab phones. While hardware improvements like larger screens and better hinges are incremental, software features can create a more compelling reason to upgrade. By positioning Gemini Intelligence as a foldable-exclusive advantage (at least initially), Samsung can justify the premium pricing. Additionally, the multitasking strengths of foldables align perfectly with cross-app automation. A Galaxy Z Fold 8 opened to its inner 7.6-inch display can show multiple apps side by side, and Gemini Intelligence can seamlessly move data between them. This is harder to achieve on a standard phone where screen real estate is limited. Samsung also benefits from the buzz: introducing a cutting-edge AI feature on its most futuristic devices reinforces its image as an innovator. However, the strategy carries risks. If Gemini Intelligence proves buggy or limited in scope, it could harm the reputation of the foldable lineup. Samsung has learned from past missteps, such as the original Galaxy Fold’s display issues, and is likely investing heavily in testing.

Challenges and Industry Context

While Gemini Intelligence promises a revolution in mobile AI, several challenges remain. First, app compatibility: the system can only automate tasks if third-party apps provide the necessary hooks. Early adopters may find that only a handful of apps support the full range of Gemini functions. Second, speed and reliability: performing multiple actions in sequence requires fast processing and stable internet connectivity. If the assistant takes too long or fails midway, the user experience suffers. Third, user trust: many people are wary of granting an AI access to sensitive information like emails, contacts, and payment details. Samsung must clearly communicate how data is handled and offer granular controls. Industry rivals are also moving quickly. Apple is rumored to be integrating more advanced AI into iOS 19, potentially enabling similar cross-app workflows through Siri and the upcoming LLM-based assistant. Google itself is embedding Gemini deeply into Android, and future Pixel phones may receive comparable features. Huawei has already demonstrated multi-step automation in HarmonyOS, and Chinese brands like Xiaomi are investing heavily in AI. Samsung’s partnership with Google gives it a strong foundation, but the company cannot afford to lag behind in execution. The ultimate test will be in real-world use: can Gemini Intelligence save users more time than it costs them in learning curve and error correction?

When to Expect the Launch and What to Look For

Samsung typically holds its Galaxy Unpacked event in late July or early August. For 2025, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are expected to be unveiled in July, with pre-orders opening shortly after and retail availability in August. The One UI 9 beta program for the Galaxy S26 series began in March 2025 in South Korea, the US, and other key markets, but Gemini Intelligence is not part of the beta—it is reserved for the final release. This suggests that Samsung is still polishing the feature and may use the beta feedback to refine other aspects of One UI 9. When the foldables launch, Samsung will likely provide live demonstrations showing Gemini Intelligence in action, possibly with partners like Google and major app developers. Buyers should pay close attention to these demos, especially to see how the assistant handles real-world interruptions, such as a change in a shopping list or a failed payment. Pricing details are still under wraps. Given the current $1,799 starting price for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and $1,099 for the Z Flip 6, the next generation may see slight increases to offset new hardware and software costs. Regional availability will also vary; South Korea, the US, and Europe are likely first-wave markets, while other regions may follow later. One thing is certain: the success of Gemini Intelligence will shape not only Samsung’s foldable lineup but also the future of AI in mobile devices. As the line between smartphones, tablets, and laptops continues to blur, seamless automation could become a deciding factor for consumers choosing their next device.

Source: Digital Trends News