A new feature that allows a smartphone artificial intelligence (AI) agent to autonomously navigate multiple applications to perform tasks will be installed on Samsung Electronics' (005930.KS) upcoming new foldable phones.
According to industry sources on Tuesday, Samsung Electronics will equip its new foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 — scheduled for unveiling in July — with the latest version of its next-generation operating system, One UI 9, which supports Google's Gemini Intelligence. Gemini Intelligence, the new AI feature Google announced that same day, will be commercialized for the first time through the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 among the Galaxy series.
Gemini Intelligence's key feature is a multitasking capability that goes beyond having AI launch apps in response to user commands, allowing it to run multiple required apps simultaneously. For example, if a user writes a grocery list in a memo app and says, "Put these items in the delivery app cart," the AI moves between the memo app and the delivery app to execute the command. The user only needs to check the items arranged in the delivery app cart and complete payment.
Earlier this year, Samsung Electronics introduced partial actionable AI features — in which AI launches apps on its own — through One UI 8.5, installed on the Galaxy S26 series. One UI 9, equipped with Gemini Intelligence, advances these capabilities by adding multitasking abilities to the AI.
Ahead of the One UI 9 release, Samsung Electronics began a beta test on Tuesday for Galaxy S26 users in Korea and other major markets. Added features include "Masking Tape," which supports various pen options in the Notes app, and "Creative Studio," which links with the Contacts app to easily create profile cards. Gemini Intelligence has not yet been implemented and will be included in the official release version.
"The newly introduced One UI 9 will provide advanced AI features based on next-generation Android, offering a more efficient and personalized mobile experience," a Samsung Electronics official said.
