Samsung has introduced advanced AI features in its Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 foldable phones through a partnership with Google’s Gemini Live, enabling multimodal interactions and enhanced functionalities like AI-powered photo editing and smart assistant capabilities. This strategic collaboration contrasts with Apple’s slower AI development, positioning Samsung ahead in integrating practical AI innovations to improve user experience in smartphones.
Samsung recently unveiled new AI features integrated into its latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, through a partnership with Google. Central to these innovations is Google’s Gemini Live, a multimodal AI system that allows users to interact via visuals, voice, or text. This system enhances user experience by enabling functionalities such as chatting through the camera or microphone and advanced AI-powered photo editing tools. These features mark a significant step forward compared to Apple’s more limited AI offerings showcased at their recent WWDC event.
The key distinction highlighted is Samsung’s strategy of partnering with established AI developers like Google, rather than building AI technology entirely in-house. This approach contrasts with Apple, which is reportedly considering integrating AI from Anthropic to upgrade Siri, but is currently taking a “gap year” in AI development. Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung and Motorola are actively embedding advanced AI capabilities into their devices, leveraging external AI platforms such as Gemini and ChatGPT to enhance user interaction and functionality.
Historically, this situation echoes past competitive dynamics between Samsung and Apple, particularly around screen sizes. Samsung initially led with larger screens, gaining widespread popularity, while Apple was slower to adapt. Eventually, Apple caught up by releasing larger screen iPhones, shifting the competitive landscape. Similarly, there remains an opportunity for Apple to catch up in the AI space by refining and expanding its AI capabilities in upcoming product releases.
One of the standout features of Samsung’s new AI integration is the Gemini assistant, which can understand and interact with content on the user’s screen. For example, it can process messages and automatically add events to calendars, a functionality Apple had promised with Siri but has struggled to fully deliver. This capability demonstrates how Samsung’s AI integration is already providing practical, user-friendly enhancements that streamline everyday tasks.
In summary, Samsung’s collaboration with Google to incorporate Gemini AI into its foldable phones represents a significant advancement in mobile AI technology. While Apple is still developing its AI strategy and capabilities, Samsung is actively pushing forward with practical AI features that improve user experience. This ongoing competition highlights the evolving landscape of AI in smartphones, where partnerships and innovation are key to gaining an edge in the market.