How Samsung and Google Built the Future of Foldable AI

Last month's launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 brought more than just new hardware; it introduced One UI 8, a revolutionary mobile experience that deeply integrates AI with the unique capabilities of foldable devices. This update is particularly significant as it marks the first time a device has shipped with Android 16, a milestone achieved through an unprecedented collaboration with Google. This partnership ensures Galaxy users get the earliest access to the latest Android generation, blended seamlessly with the refinements of One UI 8.

To get the inside story, Samsung Newsroom spoke with three key figures from the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business: Mihyun Jeong from the Experience Planning Team, Joonhwan Kim from the UX Team, and Nawoong Han from the Framework Development Team, who managed the collaboration with Google.

(From left) Nawoong Han, Framework Development Team; Mihyun Jeong, Experience Planning Team; and Joonhwan Kim, UX Team of Samsung Electronics’ MX Business

The Vision Behind One UI 8 AI and Foldables

One UI 8 is designed to elevate the foldable experience by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. As user expectations for AI grow, the development process becomes increasingly complex. Mihyun Jeong explained that Samsung formed a dedicated task force to define the core principles of the new interface. "These core concepts were summed up as ‘multimodal AI, a form factor–optimized UX and a proactive personalized experience,” she stated.

Joonhwan Kim emphasized that the design concept, "When Foldables Meet AI," truly captures the essence of One UI 8. "From the FlexWindow of Galaxy Z Flip7 to the expansive main display of Galaxy Z Fold7, users can now experience Galaxy’s evolution into AI phones across multiple form factors," he explained.

Revolutionizing the Flip Experience with AI

The Galaxy Z Flip7, powered by One UI 8, brings AI features to your fingertips without even opening the phone. A simple press of the side key activates Gemini Live, offering a conversational AI experience optimized for the FlexWindow. It feels like chatting with a friend.

"You can, for example, view what’s shown on the camera and speak with AI in real time, or add events directly to your calendar. Everyday tasks become quick and effortless,” Jeong added.

Mihyun Jeong from the MX Business demonstrates how One UI 8 enables easy access to AI functions on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow.

The expanded FlexWindow also introduces the Now Bar for checking real-time sports scores and news, while Now Brief delivers personalized insights at a glance.

Unleashing Multitasking Power on the Galaxy Z Fold7

The large main display of the Galaxy Z Fold7 is the perfect canvas for the advanced multitasking capabilities of One UI 8. "On the big screen, you can display Galaxy AI-generated results in Split view or in Floating view, and freely resize or move them for highly efficient multitasking,” Kim noted.

With multimodal AI, Gemini Live's Screen sharing feature allows you to share your screen with the AI in real time, even with multiple apps open, and ask questions about the content. The enhanced Photo Assist also utilizes the large screen, placing original and edited images side-by-side for precise, detailed comparisons.

Joonhwan Kim from the MX Business demonstrates how One UI 8 enables efficient multitasking on Galaxy Z Fold7.

A Groundbreaking Partnership with Google

The foundation of One UI 8's sophisticated AI experience lies in a deep partnership with Google. According to Nawoong Han, the collaboration started from the very beginning. "Both companies worked together... defining concepts during the early planning stage and collaborating throughout the process to bring the latest features to One UI 8,” he said.

Nawoong Han from the MX Business explains the collaboration process with the Android team at Google.

This partnership was unique in its execution. "We collaborated with Google in real time, using a shared development branch that allowed us to exchange code around the clock and fix bugs on the fly," Han explained. This intense, engineering-level teamwork is what enabled the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 to be the first devices to launch with Android 16.

With One UI 8, Gemini can be activated directly from Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow without unfolding the device.

This synergy also brought a more capable, multimodal Google Gemini Live to the new foldables, allowing you to ask questions about what you see on your camera or screen. A prime example of this deep integration is the evolution of Samsung DeX. Originally a Samsung feature, the collaboration with Google has evolved DeX and introduced desktop windowing to the core Android platform, accelerating productivity across the ecosystem.

Fusing Emotional Design with Robust Security

One UI 8 is not just about powerful features; it's also about a thoughtful and immersive user experience. Kim pointed out enhancements to animations and visual effects in everyday apps. A standout feature is the new clock, which "can recognize the subject in a chosen wallpaper and organically align itself with its outline," adding a lively touch to both the main display and the Z Flip7's FlexWindow.

Mihyun Jeong (left) and Joonhwan Kim (right) explain the development process behind One UI 8.

Jeong also highlighted other convenience-focused improvements like a streamlined Quick Share, an Audio Eraser to remove background noise from recordings, and new pet profiles in Photo Assist's Portrait Studio.

With AI comes a greater need for security. One UI 8 is reinforced with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) and Knox Vault to safeguard personalized AI features and block unauthorized access to user data. "We fully understand the security concerns users may have... That’s why we’ve built powerful threat-blocking mechanisms into the device," Jeong assured.

The Future is Foldable and Intelligent

One UI 8 represents a new frontier where foldable hardware and intelligent software merge. "Through One UI, we will naturally connect users with AI to deliver even more effective automation and personalization,” said Jeong.

The successful partnership with Google is set to continue. "The more advanced the technology becomes, the more important collaboration will be," noted Han. "We aim to broaden our partnership with Google across all areas of Galaxy, especially in AI — so stay tuned.”

One UI 8 will begin its rollout to other devices this September, starting with the Galaxy S25 series, promising to bring its powerful synergy of AI and design to even more users.