Galaxy AI just unleashed a lot more than a routine software update on the new Z Fold 8 and Flip 8
Task automation is only part of what's changed.
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Samsung's own key visual for the Galaxy AI rollout across its device lineup. | Image by Samsung
Samsung and Google detailed how far Gemini reaches the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 lineup. Task automation covers 40-plus apps, Gemini Notebook ships preinstalled with a free AI Pro trial and it extends to the Galaxy Watch 9 and Samsung's new intelligent eyewear.
When task automation left beta in February, Gemini could only handle a handful of chores, like ordering a rideshare or grabbing takeout. Google confirmed that the list has grown past 40 apps, covering dinner reservations, event tickets and travel bookings. Gemini can now read your screen as a prompt too.
That framing runs across the whole lineup, not just this one feature.
Google is also putting Gemini Notebook, the renamed NotebookLM, directly on the new foldables. On the Fold 8's larger inner display, you can drag photos, documents and recordings into a side-by-side workspace instead of juggling apps.
Every model ships with a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, normally $19.99 a month, unlocking 5 TB of cloud storage.
The rollout isn't limited to phones. Raising your wrist on the Galaxy Watch 9 now activates Gemini, no wake word required.
Samsung and Google also revealed two more intelligent eyewear frames, built with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, previewing how Gemini's context awareness works once the glasses launch this fall.
Google isn't alone here. One UI 9 brings Now Brief, which flags privacy and security risks too, and Now Nudge, which suggests next steps as plans come up in conversation.
A new AI Assistant Activity dashboard shows every automation running on your behalf, and Privacy Alerts flag apps reaching for permissions, layered on top of Samsung's existing Knox protections.
Google's own Pixel 10 Pro Fold already leans on Gemini for Magic Cue and Camera Coach, so pushing that assistant further on a Samsung foldable says as much about Google's ambitions as Samsung's. Apple Intelligence still can't automate tasks across 40-plus apps this way, and Z Fold7 or Flip7 owners should get most of this through the One UI 9 update.
Task automation across 40 apps sounds great on paper, and I'd rather see Gemini finish an errand correctly than add another flashy demo nobody touches after week one. Gemini Notebook with a free AI Pro trial is the part I'm genuinely eager to use, and I'll believe the Watch 9 and eyewear additions once I've tried them myself.
Gemini's task automation covers a lot more ground
When task automation left beta in February, Gemini could only handle a handful of chores, like ordering a rideshare or grabbing takeout. Google confirmed that the list has grown past 40 apps, covering dinner reservations, event tickets and travel bookings. Gemini can now read your screen as a prompt too.
Gemini's task automation now covers more than 40 apps on the new foldables. | Google
As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user. By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people.
TM Roh, CEO, President and Head of the Device eXperience Division at Samsung Electronics, Galaxy Unpacked, July 22, 2026
Which of these Gemini upgrades would change how you use your phone?
54 Votes
Task automation, only if it books things correctly
29.63%
Gemini Notebook, finally ditching my separate note app
1.85%
Wrist and glasses access, phones aren't the only screen
1.85%
None, my phone gets plenty done without more AI
66.67%
Gemini Notebook lands on the Fold 8 lineup, six months free
Google is also putting Gemini Notebook, the renamed NotebookLM, directly on the new foldables. On the Fold 8's larger inner display, you can drag photos, documents and recordings into a side-by-side workspace instead of juggling apps.
Every model ships with a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, normally $19.99 a month, unlocking 5 TB of cloud storage.
Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is preinstalled on all three new foldables. | Google
Gemini reaches your wrist and, soon, your face
The rollout isn't limited to phones. Raising your wrist on the Galaxy Watch 9 now activates Gemini, no wake word required.
Samsung layers its own AI on top
Google isn't alone here. One UI 9 brings Now Brief, which flags privacy and security risks too, and Now Nudge, which suggests next steps as plans come up in conversation.
A new AI Assistant Activity dashboard shows every automation running on your behalf, and Privacy Alerts flag apps reaching for permissions, layered on top of Samsung's existing Knox protections.
Why this matters
Google's own Pixel 10 Pro Fold already leans on Gemini for Magic Cue and Camera Coach, so pushing that assistant further on a Samsung foldable says as much about Google's ambitions as Samsung's. Apple Intelligence still can't automate tasks across 40-plus apps this way, and Z Fold7 or Flip7 owners should get most of this through the One UI 9 update.
My take
Task automation across 40 apps sounds great on paper, and I'd rather see Gemini finish an errand correctly than add another flashy demo nobody touches after week one. Gemini Notebook with a free AI Pro trial is the part I'm genuinely eager to use, and I'll believe the Watch 9 and eyewear additions once I've tried them myself.
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