Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 foldables are breaking preorder records, with carriers reporting nearly 60% higher demand compared to previous generations. As part of this launch momentum, Samsung and Google have unveiled a significant incentive: six months of complimentary Google AI Pro access for new device owners—a $120 value that positions AI at the forefront of the premium smartphone experience.

Article illustration 1

Main article image: Samsung's latest foldables driving record preorders (Credit: ZDNET)

The Google AI Pro tier includes several developer-relevant tools:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Google's most advanced multimodal AI model, featuring enhanced coding assistance and complex reasoning capabilities
- Veo 3: High-fidelity AI video generation tool
- 2TB of cloud storage: Critical for AI-generated content workflows
- Early access to experimental AI features

Redemption requires a manual opt-in through the Google One app on eligible devices. After logging in, users accept terms to activate the trial. Post-trial, subscriptions auto-renew at $20/month unless canceled via the Membership Plans tab.

Article illustration 2

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

Why This Partnership Matters

This isn't merely a promotional giveaway—it's a strategic ecosystem play. By embedding Google's AI suite directly into hardware, Samsung:
1. Accelerates mainstream AI adoption by lowering entry barriers
2. Creates workflow dependencies that could drive long-term subscription retention
3. Signals commitment to on-device/cloud AI hybridization as foldables target productivity-focused users

For developers, the bundle offers practical insights into how cutting-edge AI models like Gemini 2.5 Pro perform in real-world scenarios. Early testing indicates significant improvements in code generation accuracy—particularly for Python and JavaScript—making this trial relevant beyond casual use.

As foldables evolve into primary computing devices, such partnerships underscore how hardware manufacturers and AI providers are converging to redefine mobile productivity. The true value lies not in the $120 savings, but in witnessing how seamlessly AI capabilities integrate into daily workflows—a trial that could reshape user expectations for flagship devices.

Source: ZDNET