From ultra-slim flagships and AI-powered software rollouts to smart glasses and home robots, Samsung’s June is shaping up to be anything but quiet. In this month’s update, we’re covering everything from local launches here in New Zealand to global breakthroughs that hint at where tech is heading next. With big screens, smart machines, and everything in between, let’s see what June has in store.
Samsung’s Slimmest Flagship Yet Lands in New Zealand
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S25 Edge in New Zealand, making waves with what’s now its thinnest flagship smartphone to date. It features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The real showstopper, though, is the 200MP wide-angle main camera, backed by Galaxy AI features like Gemini Live, designed to make capturing and editing smarter and faster.
Available now across New Zealand in Titanium Silver, Jet Black, and Icy Blue, the Edge is already shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most eye-catching releases of the year.
One UI 7 Finally Lands in New Zealand, But Not for Everyone
After weeks of anticipation, Samsung has begun rolling out its One UI 7 update to users in New Zealand, bringing a suite of Galaxy AI features and a refreshed interface to select devices. The update has become available for New Zealand users with eligible models like the Galaxy S24 series.
However, the rollout has been inconsistent. While some Kiwi users have already received the update, others, particularly those on carrier-locked phones, are still waiting. As One UI 7 continues to expand, Samsung says users should keep an eye on their software settings for the latest update notifications.
Solve for Tomorrow 2025 Gets Underway
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow 2025 competition is now in full swing across New Zealand, calling on secondary school students and teachers to tackle real-world issues through creativity, technology, and critical thinking.
This year’s challenge invites students to design projects that improve communities and solve everyday problems, whether social, environmental, or technological. Entries are open to schools nationwide, and participants must submit their project plans by 23 June 2025. Final entries are due 19 September, with winners receiving funding and tech prizes to support their schools.
One UI 8 Beta on the Horizon
Samsung is preparing to launch the One UI 8 beta program in June, giving users a first look at what’s next for Galaxy software. Built on Android 16, the update will debut on flagship devices like the Galaxy S25, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6, with rollout expected to begin in South Korea and the U.S. before expanding globally.
One UI 8 is set to double down on Galaxy AI integration, introducing features like the “Now Brief” widget, deeper contextual awareness, and improved personalisation across apps and settings. While full release timelines haven’t been confirmed, the beta will offer a sneak peek at Samsung’s vision for smarter, more adaptive devices.
Galaxy Unpacked Returns This July
Samsung has confirmed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place in early July 2025, with New York tipped as the likely host city. As usual, the event is expected to showcase the company’s most anticipated releases of the year, including the next generation of foldables.
All eyes are on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, both expected to feature hardware refinements and deeper integration with Galaxy AI. Samsung is also likely to spotlight One UI 8, powered by Android 16, and unveil more about its expanding AI ecosystem across phones, wearables, and possibly tablets.
The event will be streamed live on Samsung’s website and YouTube channel, with invites and teasers set to roll out in the coming weeks.
Samsung and Google Preview Android XR Glasses
At Google’s I/O 2025 developer conference, Samsung made headlines as a key collaborator in the unveiling of Project Moohan, a prototype of Android-based XR (Extended Reality) smart glasses. Developed in partnership with Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, the demo offered a glimpse into the future of wearable tech.
Samsung’s involvement in the hardware design further cements its place in the XR space, following earlier investments in AR and wearable ecosystems. No commercial release date has been confirmed, but the demo confirms that Samsung and Google are building the next frontier of immersive tech, one lens at a time.
Ballie the AI Home Robot Is Finally Rolling Out
After years of teasers and trade show appearances, Samsung’s spherical home companion robot Ballie is officially set to launch in the U.S. and South Korea later this summer. First introduced as a concept at CES 2020 and revamped at CES 2025, Ballie is now ready for real-world use, with some powerful upgrades under the hood.
Now powered by Google’s Gemini AI, Ballie is designed to be a multi-talented smart home assistant. It responds to both voice commands and contextual cues using audio, visual, and movement-based inputs. Samsung says Ballie will integrate with SmartThings and Galaxy devices, making it a natural hub for connected homes. With its personality-driven design and AI brain, Ballie represents Samsung’s boldest step yet into ambient, assistive robotics.
Global Tech, Local Support
From AI breakthroughs to the latest Galaxy gear, it’s clear Samsung is fast shaping the future of tech. At Samsung CSP, we’re proud to support that journey here in Aotearoa with certified repairs, genuine parts, and trusted local service. Stay tuned; we’ll be here to keep you updated, informed, and ready for what’s next.