Samsung Launches Olympic‑Edition Galaxy Z Flip 7 for Milan‑Cortina Games
Updated (3 articles)
Olympic‑Themed Design Highlights Italian Azure and Gold Frame Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 7 on Jan 27 2026, styling the foldable with “Italian azure” hues and a custom gold metal frame meant to symbolize athletes’ pursuit of excellence and podium moments [1].
Device Distribution Targets Thousands of Athletes Across Nations The company will provide roughly 3,800 units to competitors from about 90 countries participating in the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which commence on Feb 6 [1].
Built‑In Communication Tools Facilitate Athlete Interaction The phone incorporates an interpretation app and a “Galaxy Athlete Card” that lets users instantly exchange profiles, streamlining communication among participants throughout the Games [1].
Samsung Integrates Photo Contest and Professional Coverage A “Victory Selfie” contest will invite medal winners to capture podium selfies with the Z Flip 7, while professional photographers will use the Galaxy S25 Ultra to photograph approximately 490 consenting athletes for high‑resolution coverage [1].
Timeline
Jan 2025 – Samsung kicks off the year by launching the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, plus the slim S25 Edge and S25 FE, and rolls out the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, reinforcing its premium and foldable leadership and introducing “Galaxy AI” features to streamline user experiences[1].
2025 (throughout the year) – A steep rupee slump and rising memory‑chip costs squeeze margins for all brands, forcing price hikes across India’s smartphone segments and reshaping consumer affordability[1].
2025 – Nothing adopts an India‑centric strategy, releasing the Phone 3, moving its CMF team to India, partnering with local vendors, and launching the community‑focused Phone 3a Community Edition[1].
2025 – Vivo solidifies its dominance with a broad portfolio from Y to V series and introduces the camera‑focused X300 series, emphasizing imaging as its key differentiator[1].
2025 – Apple records a standout year in India, driven by the iPhone 17 family (including the new iPhone Air) with camera and design upgrades, e‑SIM support, and an expanded retail footprint[1].
2025 – Xiaomi falls to mid‑pack rankings as the Xiaomi 15 series launches as its flagship, while Redmi struggles amid a market shift toward premium devices[1].
Jul‑Sep 2025 (Q3) – Samsung captures 64 % of global foldable shipments, an 8‑point gain YoY, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 drives a 14 % YoY rise in total foldable volumes to a record high; Huawei holds 15 % share, Motorola 7 %, with other players trailing[3].
Dec 26 2025 – A year‑end analysis highlights how the rupee slump, memory‑cost pressures, and Samsung’s S25 rollout shape India’s 2025 smartphone market, while Apple, Vivo, and Xiaomi adjust strategies amid shifting consumer demand[1].
1998 – Samsung becomes a Worldwide Olympic Partner, beginning a partnership that will span more than two decades and include special edition devices for the Games[2].
Jan 27 2026 – Samsung unveils the Olympic‑edition Galaxy Z Flip 7, featuring a design inspired by “the cultural resonance of Italian azure” and a custom gold frame symbolizing athletes’ pursuit of excellence[2].
Feb 6 2026 – The Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics open; roughly 3,800 athletes from about 90 nations receive the special Z Flip 7, which includes an interpretation app and a “Galaxy Athlete Card” for quick profile exchanges[2].
Feb‑Mar 2026 (during the Games) – Samsung runs a “Victory Selfie” contest, encouraging medalists to capture podium selfies with the Z Flip 7, while professional photographers use the Galaxy S25 Ultra to shoot high‑resolution images of about 490 consenting athletes[2].
2026 (forecast) – Counterpoint Research predicts rapid expansion of the foldable market next year, citing technical advances and premium demand, and notes that Apple could launch its first foldable phone as early as 2026[3].