Samsung’s next generation of foldable smartphones is set to redefine mobile AI with a focus on practical, multi-step automation. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, according to a report from Seoul Economic Daily, will ship with One UI 9 and Google’s new Gemini Intelligence, offering a significantly deeper assistant layer than current Galaxy AI features. This move positions Samsung to compete more aggressively in the premium foldable market, where software differentiation is increasingly critical.
Gemini Intelligence is being positioned as software that can move through related apps and complete linked tasks. In practice, that means a phone assistant that can follow a chain of actions across apps, rather than stopping after a single reply. For example, a user could write a shopping list in a notes app, ask Gemini Intelligence to move those items into a delivery app cart, then review the cart and pay. This seamless workflow could drastically reduce the number of taps required for everyday tasks, making the phone feel more like an intelligent assistant than a reactive tool.
How Much Can Gemini Actually Do?
The clearest example is a grocery run. A user could dictate or type a list in a notes app, then invoke Gemini to transfer each item to a grocery delivery app, automatically populate the search fields, and even apply coupons or loyalty discounts if integrated. The AI would then present a summary for the user to confirm and complete the payment. That’s the appeal Samsung has to prove: fewer taps matter more than another polished chatbot window. Samsung already introduced some app-launching behavior with One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, but One UI 9 is expected to handle more than one app in the same request. This represents a fundamental shift from simple voice commands to complex, cross-app automation.
Behind the scenes, Gemini Intelligence leverages Google’s latest large language models and on-device processing to understand user intent across different applications. It can parse natural language commands like “Add milk and bread to my grocery list, then order them from Instacart” and execute the multi-step process without manual intervention. This level of integration requires deep partnerships with app developers, and Samsung has been working closely with Google to ensure compatibility at launch. The AI also learns from user behavior over time, suggesting automations for recurring routines such as morning commutes or weekly shopping.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. Gemini Intelligence isn’t in the One UI 9 beta that started for Galaxy S26 users in South Korea and other major markets. It’s expected to arrive in the final release instead, so the real test will be app compatibility, speed, and how much cleanup it leaves behind. Early adopters may encounter bugs, and not all apps will support the new automation layer immediately. Privacy concerns are also top of mind: Samsung and Google emphasize that sensitive data like payment information is processed locally or with user consent, but the trust factor will only be proven over time.
Why Would Foldables Get It First?
The Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are reportedly first in line for Gemini Intelligence, which gives Samsung a cleaner way to sell the next wave of Galaxy AI. Premium foldables have to justify their price every year, and software is one of the few places Samsung can change the daily experience. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 expected to start around $1,800 and the Flip 8 around $1,000, the company needs a strong software narrative to convince users that foldables are not just about a bigger or more compact screen, but about a fundamentally smarter device.
Samsung has a history of using foldables as testbeds for innovative features. The original Galaxy Fold introduced a new form factor, the Z Flip brought back the clamshell design, and the Z Fold 3 added S Pen support and under-display cameras. Now, Gemini Intelligence continues that tradition by focusing on the software layer. If successful, the feature could trickle down to the Galaxy S series and even mid-range models in future updates, but initially, it will be exclusive to the foldables to drive early adoption and refine the experience.
There’s also a competitive angle. Apple has been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, expected as early as 2028, and is pushing suppliers to develop new display technology. Samsung wants to lock in users now with superior AI capabilities before Apple enters the foldable market. Similarly, Google’s Pixel Fold series offers its own AI features via the Tensor chip, but Samsung’s broader market reach and One UI customization give it a scale advantage. By integrating Gemini Intelligence deeply into One UI 9, Samsung aims to set the standard for what a foldable AI assistant should be.
When Will Samsung Show It Off?
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in July, giving it an obvious stage for Gemini Intelligence. One UI 9 beta testing has already started for Galaxy S26 users in major markets, including South Korea, but the biggest assistant feature is still being held back for the official release. The July Unpacked event will likely showcase live demos of Gemini Intelligence handling complex tasks across multiple apps, providing the proof of concept that Samsung needs to generate consumer excitement.
For buyers, the smart move is to wait for live demos before treating this as a reason to upgrade. Pricing and regional availability are still missing, and Samsung’s next foldables will have to prove the automation saves time without leaving users to fix the result. Early reviews will be crucial: if the AI consistently delivers on its promise, it could become a must-have feature; if it stumbles, it may be dismissed as a gimmick. Additionally, Samsung will need to ensure that the assistant works seamlessly with popular third-party apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, Spotify, and banking services. Without broad app support, the utility of Gemini Intelligence will remain limited.
Historically, Samsung has been aggressive in updating its software. Galaxy AI features introduced with the Galaxy S24 series were later rolled out to older devices like the S23 and S22, albeit with some performance differences. A similar strategy could apply here: if Gemini Intelligence proves successful on the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, it may come to the Galaxy S27 or even a mid-cycle update for the S26. But for now, Samsung is betting that foldable users are willing to pay a premium for the latest and greatest AI capabilities.
Beyond the headline features, Gemini Intelligence also opens up possibilities for accessibility. Users with mobility or vision impairments could benefit from voice-controlled multi-app workflows, reducing the need for manual interactions. For example, a visually impaired user could say “Remind me to buy batteries next time I’m near an electronics store, and check the price at Best Buy,” and the assistant would create a location-based reminder and fetch pricing information in the background. This kind of proactive assistance aligns with Samsung’s broader vision of AI as a tool for empowerment.
In summary, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 represent Samsung’s most ambitious attempt yet to differentiate through software. With Gemini Intelligence, the company aims to move beyond simple voice commands and into full task automation across apps. The July launch will be a critical moment to prove that this technology works reliably in real-world scenarios. If successful, Samsung could set a new standard for mobile AI and solidify its leadership in the foldable space for years to come.
Source: Digital Trends News