Google used Galaxy Z Fold 2 to test Android on foldables before Pixel Fold prototypes existed

Remember the days when Google and Samsung were like tech titans locked in a bitter battle for Android dominance? While Samsung, the world’s biggest Android phone maker, relied heavily on Google’s operating system, their relationship wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Just think back to the pre-2016 era, filled with lawsuits, forked versions of Android, and not-so-subtle jabs from both sides.

Fast forward to today, and that frosty rivalry has thawed considerably. In 2021, Samsung surprisingly ditched its in-house TizenOS for Google’s Wear OS for its Galaxy Watch 4, marking a major shift in collaboration and an end to what seemed like an awkward relationship between the two companies. Even bolder headlines erupted recently with the launch of “Circle to Search,” a seamless search feature currently exclusive to Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 phones.

But it seems the partnership goes deeper than anyone imagined. According to renowned Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Google actually used the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 to test its foldable software before having its own Pixel Fold prototype ready. Yes, you read that right. The former rivals are now sharing hardware for crucial testing, a sign of a truly transformed relationship.

The decision to leverage Samsung hardware for software testing not only highlights the maturation of their partnership, but also the strategic benefits for both parties involved. For Samsung, offering its hardware for Google’s software testing ensures that Android iterations are fully optimized for its devices, enhancing the overall user experience. Meanwhile, Google gains invaluable insights into the intricacies of foldable device functionality, paving the way for more seamless integration of Android software with its own line of Pixel Fold devices.

This newfound bromance is a far cry from the days of lawsuits and forked Androids. It hints at a future where Google and Samsung, once fierce competitors, are now more like roommates, sharing resources and working towards a common goal: a thriving Android ecosystem. Who knows, maybe we’ll see even more surprising collaborations in the years to come, blurring the lines between competition and cooperation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.