News
Samsung’s $6B US subsidy now at risk as Washington calls it ‘overly generous’
The US government is reevaluating subsidy deals for semiconductor companies, including Samsung Electronics. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently called the current 10% subsidy rate “overly generous.”
This could impact the planned $6 billion subsidy for Texas chip factory of Samsung in the US. At a Senate hearing on June 4, 2025, Lutnick suggested cutting subsidies to around 4%. He pointed to Taiwan’s TSMC as an example.
With TSMC’s increased investment, its subsidy ratio dropped to about 4%. Lutnick indicated this lower rate aligns with the Trump administration’s goals. Samsung, set to receive 13% of its investment, may face a similar reduction.
Samsung is building a chip facility in Taylor, Texas, with a significant investment. The original subsidy deal, negotiated under the Biden administration, promised around $6 billion. A lower subsidy rate could affect this ambitious project.
The US CHIPS Act subsidies were meant to boost semiconductor production in the United States. But the Trump administration thinks smaller subsidies, paired with tariffs, will do a better job of getting companies to set up shop in the US.
SK hynix is working on an advanced packaging factory in Indiana, expecting about 12% of its investment in subsidies. If the government slashes rates, SK hynix might also face tighter finances for its semiconductor project.
Neither Samsung nor SK hynix has said much publicly about the potential cuts. Meanwhile, lower subsidies could slow down projects or raise costs, as companies race to adjust. Building these factories is a huge investment, and every dollar counts.
If the situation escalates, Samsung and SK hynix might need to rethink their plans for US factories. With the Trump administration focused on cutting promised subsidies, the future of these projects could look very different.
Samsung has been quietly perfecting a triple-screen foldable phone, potentially called the Galaxy G Fold. A company executive recently confirmed the device is ready for production, but its launch depends on whether consumers want this form factor.
In an interview with Android Authority, a Samsung executive revealed, “We’ve had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it’s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?”
While company executives refrain from revealing a potential launch timeline, earlier reports suggest the Galaxy G Fold could enter production in September 2025, with a limited launch in China and South Korea in Q4 2025.
This restricted release will help Samsung gauge consumer interest. The device could cost over four million won, roughly $3,000, making it pricier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For comparison, Huawei’s Mate XT, the first triple-fold phone, retails around $2,800.
Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT, which uses an S-shaped fold with one outward-folding hinge, Samsung’s G-shaped design has both hinges folding inward. This design improves durability by protecting the screens when folded, though it requires a separate cover display.
The Galaxy G Fold was teased at the S25 series launch in early 2025, but was absent from the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 event. Leaked One UI 8 animations, spotted by Android Authority, confirm its design with a triple-camera setup on the left panel.
Source – Android Authority
Samsung’s hesitation reflects a broader challenge in the foldable market. Samsung’s limited launch will test the waters, but its success depends on convincing consumers that a triple-screen phone is worth the premium price.
Samsung just dropped the newest gadgets, and the unboxing videos are giving us the closest look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Watch 8, and Watch 8 Classic. These clips, straight from Samsung’s YouTube channel, show off what makes each device special.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 unboxing is pretty cool. It’s a foldable phone with a big 8.0-inch inner screen and a 6.5-inch outer one. Plus, it’s got a 200MP camera and feels super sleek at just 4.5mm when unfolded.
Want to see it in action? Check it out
Galaxy Z Flip 7
There’s the Galaxy Z Flip 7. This unboxing shows off a compact foldable phone that is stylish and easy to carry. It’s perfect if you want something powerful but small. The video highlights its bright screen and smooth hinge.
Take a look
Galaxy Watch 8
The Galaxy Watch 8 unboxing is all about a smartwatch that looks great and tracks your health like a pro. It’s made for daily wear, mixing style with practical features. The video walks you through what it can do.
Watch it here
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Don’t miss the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Starting at 44 seconds in the same video, it’s got a classic vibe with a rotating bezel. It feels premium and packs solid features for anyone who loves a traditional watch look.
See it here
These unboxing videos are a fun way to get to know Samsung’s latest lineup. From foldable phones to modern smartwatches, there’s something for everyone.
At Unpacked, Samsung launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 devices with Android 16, with that, these phones have become the first to serve a new generation of OS out of the box. And with these new devices, Samsung has also unlocked a new achievement by designating Android 16 its fastest Android rollout ever.
Last year, Google announced two software versions, Android 15 in the first quarter and Android 16 in the last quarter. As the largest Android partner, Samsung has been trailing with Android 15 development as One UI 7. Traditionally, the Korean tech company released a stable software by the end of the year, starting with older devices. However, One UI 7 has changed how new One UI versions will debut on Galaxy smartphones.
The One UI 7 beta program began on December 5, 2024, and it was announced with the Galaxy S25 series on January 22. 2025. From beta to device launch, it took 46 days for first stable One UI 7 release with new devices.
The One UI 8 (Android 16) beta kicked off on May 28, 2025, and its official rollout announcement with Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 on July 9, 2025. That makes a total of 42 days, from beta to the first stable software release.
If we go back in time, a new Android update for Galaxy phones used to take months before a stable rollout. So, we can agree with Samsung that One UI 8 is the fastest rollout with new devices.
Won-Joon Choi, President and COO, MX Business at Samsung, announced Android 16 for new devices
Fastest rollout?
Besides new devices, Samsung is still facing the same old problem. It announced Android 16 as its fastest Android rollout for Fold 7/Flip 7 but forgot to mention the previous generation.
If the company can mention the term “rollout” for new devices, why can’t it put some time and effort into sharing an estimated stable release date for older models?
We can speculate that a rollout plan might come later, but why not share this important information at the biggest stage? That’s a question that I was wondering while watching the Unpacked live stream and waiting for any on-stage executives to say that at least “the update is coming to older devices”. However, it felt like a forbidden wish from an S25 Ultra user.
So, it could be the fastest Android update rollout for Samsung, but all of the existing phone users may think otherwise.
Samsung is kicking off an exciting promotion in the US called the 14 Days of Giveaways. Fans have a chance to win the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Here’s how you can participate.
To enter the giveaway, Samsung US invites users to engage with their promotional post on social media such as X. Pinch and zoom on the provided image to identify the prize; then, reply to the post with your guess.
Your reply must include the hashtags #GalaxyWatch8Classic, #GalaxyZFold7, and #GalaxyAI to qualify. Interestingly, the contest is straightforward, making it easy for fans to join.
Who’s ready for some prizes? Today we’re unfolding our 14 Days of Giveaways 🎊 🎉 🎁
- Here’s how you can enter for your chance to win the perfect duo:
- 🔎 Pinch and zoom around the image to find out what today’s prize is
- ↩️ Reply to this post with a guess of what the prize is
- #️⃣ Include #GalaxyWatch8Classic #GalaxyZFold7 and #GalaxyAI in your reply
That’s it! Good luck, and keep your eyes open.
Source – Samsung Mobile Press
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked on July 9, 2025, is the thinnest foldable yet at 4.2mm when unfolded. It features a 200MP main camera and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The device runs One UI 8 on Android 16.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, also launched at Unpacked, brings back the fan-favorite rotating bezel. Available in a 46mm size, it has a 1.34-inch Super AMOLED display. It’s powered by the Exynos W1000 chip and Wear OS 6.
Winning this duo would be a fantastic opportunity.
Samsung has unveiled the One UI 8 software update with Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones and enabling the new Circle to Search feature with AI Mode.
Circle to Search feature is already available in Samsung devices, which helps users to circle an on-screen object to highlight and learn more about it without typing and searching manually on the web.
In the latest edition, Google has brought the AI mode, which lets users access an AI overview of the circled content to get AI-powered insights instead of results.
AI Mode Circle to Search
To use the circle to search, users need to long-press the home button or navigation bar, then circle, tap, or gesture to highlight the subject. Once completed, the system will prompt a search process and come up with an AI Overview.
Next, users can scroll down to see more of the AI overview and learn more details, or ask more in the following prompt box. Alternatively, Google has enabled AI mode on the Google app via Lens.
Exclusively, Samsung has demonstrated Circle to Search support for gaming. Users can utilize this feature to learn more about their in-game character, get tips, or anything else. The AI overview support for Circle to Search is available in the US and India, but expansion is planned for later.
-
One UI12 hours agoAfter A55, Samsung brings Galaxy A35 into One UI 8 testing zone
-
Samsung18 hours agoHow to watch Samsung Unpacked July 2025 event livestream – Big announcements to expect
-
News2 days agoIt’s Official: One UI 8 launches tomorrow with Samsung’s most advanced security features
-
Android3 days agoGoogle releases July 2025 Play System update – Here’s What’s New