Samsung has introduced a special Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition created exclusively for athletes participating in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Around 3,800 devices are scheduled to be distributed beginning January 30 at Olympic Villages spread across six host cities, ahead of the opening ceremony on February 6. As with previous Olympic partnerships, the phones are intended for athlete use only and will not be sold to the public.
This edition of the Galaxy Z Flip7 is tied closely to on-site experiences during the Games. Samsung is extending its Victory Selfie program to the Winter Olympics for the first time, allowing medalists to take personal photos on the podium using the device. The company is also broadening the program to include team events, enabling group photos for teams following wins. While largely symbolic, the initiative reflects how smartphones have become embedded in the public-facing rituals of modern sporting events.
From a design standpoint, the Olympic Edition differs from the standard model primarily in materials and presentation rather than core hardware changes. The phone features an Italian Azure blue glass back paired with a gold-toned metal frame, a visual nod to the host country. Included with the device is a clear magnetic case decorated with gold laurel leaves, along with exclusive winter-themed wallpapers inspired by skate marks on ice. These elements are cosmetic and do not alter the phone’s performance or specifications.
On the technical side, the device retains the Galaxy Z Flip7’s 50-megapixel wide rear camera and includes Samsung’s suite of Galaxy AI features. These include an on-device interpreter aimed at real-time translation and Now Brief, which aggregates personalized daily updates. For connectivity, athletes receive a bundled 100GB 5G eSIM, intended to cover communication needs throughout the Games. Each phone also comes preloaded with a digital Coca-Cola Free Beverage Key via Samsung Wallet, reflecting the broader sponsorship ecosystem surrounding the Olympics and International Olympic Committee partners such as Coca-Cola.
Samsung has also integrated several athlete-focused services directly into the device. Apps such as Athlete365 and the IOC Hotline are preinstalled, replacing much of the paper-based documentation traditionally issued to competitors. This setup supports a more centralized, digital-first approach to athlete services, covering logistics, communication, and support during the event.
For consumers, the Olympic Edition remains out of reach. Samsung has confirmed that the device will not be available for retail sale, making it a potential collector’s item if athletes later choose to resell theirs. The closest alternative for the public is the standard Galaxy Z Flip7, which currently sells for around $900 for the 256GB configuration through major retailers.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition functions less as a product launch and more as a controlled deployment tied to branding, logistics, and athlete experience. It highlights how manufacturers continue to use global sporting events as testbeds for services and visibility, even when the hardware itself remains largely unchanged.
