Samsung is betting on AI in the Galaxy Z Fold 7

At the Galaxy Unpacked event in New York, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable smartphones. The presentation centered not on hardware specs, but on artificial intelligence capabilities, which are becoming the company’s main bet in competing with other manufacturers, including Apple.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable smartphones are both designed to provide the most powerful artificial intelligence capabilities.

Samsung is betting on artificial intelligence

Samsung’s current endeavors are less and less about hardware details and more and more about AI. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 get two strands of smart features. First, there’s Galaxy AI, Samsung’s proprietary AI that offers tools like erasing objects from photos, summarizing web pages and notes, a smart writing assistant, and more.

The second is Google’s AI integration with Gemini. The partnership between Samsung and Google was particularly evident at the launch event, with Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president of platforms and devices, personally introducing new Gemini features customized for foldable flagships.

Gemini innovations adapted for foldable screens

One of the key innovations is Circle to Search, a feature designed to help with mobile gaming. It allows you to get an AI view of any object in the game. This feature looks particularly impressive on the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s large, foldable display.

In addition, the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s expanded exterior window now supports Gemini Live right on the cover screen. Users can use the voice assistant without having to unfold the device. Gemini Live also integrates with Samsung apps like Calendar, Reminders, and Notes. AI support has extended to wearable devices as well, with the new Galaxy Watch 8 series also getting access to Gemini’s capabilities.

Hardware improvements haven’t been left out

Despite the emphasis on software features, Samsung hasn’t left out the hardware. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 offer improved screen brightness and size, advanced features, and increased durability. Both models come with the updated One UI 8 shell based on Android 16 and a seven-year Android update guarantee. One UI 8 offers a host of new features, which are detailed in a separate post.

Samsung has thus managed to maintain its leadership in foldable smartphones, complemented by powerful AI tools and tight integration with Google’s solutions.

Apple lags behind in the race for mobile innovation

Apple’s lagging behind is increasingly apparent amid Samsung’s advances. While the South Korean company has been pushing foldable devices for seven years, Apple still only offers classic monoblocks. The release of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s own AI suite, has yet to happen, and iOS 26 hasn’t really caught on with the community.

Also, Apple isn’t showing off any major hardware innovations. Its refusal to experiment with form factors and caution in adapting AI features sets it apart from the fast-growing Samsung and Google.

The leadership question remains open

Can Samsung’s partnership with Google be considered to have overtaken Apple? When it comes to number of devices sold or market share, not yet. But in terms of technological advances and pace of innovation, the gap is clear. Today, it’s Samsung and Google that are shaping the future of smartphones.