I know, I know. As one of Future Tense’s blockchain editors, I should be bullish on everything crypto. Here's the thing: sometimes the most disruptive technology isn't the one built on a blockchain. Often, it’s the one that makes the new system so damn convenient that no one can be bothered to make the switch.

Image from Samsung I expect Samsung’s upcoming Z Flip7 to be a game changer for crypto wallets. Its giant 4.1-inch FlexWindow is a revelation.

FlexWindow Ease Beats Crypto Complexity

Let's be honest, crypto wallets are clunky. The point is that seed phrases, gas fees, different blockchains for different tokens… it’s a hellscape for the average user. You’d have to have a PhD in cryptography to be able to decipher what in the hell is going on.

The Z Flip7 offers instant, one-tap payments directly from its cover screen. Now picture buying your coffee with one tap on your locked phone. It's all protected by Samsung Knox, and maybe even biometric authentication via the FlexWindow itself. Say goodbye to fumbling with apps and scanning QR codes. You’ll never again have to fear sending your hard-earned Bitcoin to an address you do not intend. It's easy. And ease of use trumps everything.

AI Integration Trumps Crypto Innovation?

The Z Flip7 has new AI capabilities you can access right from the FlexWindow. Marlet Salazar, in her coverage, highlights how these AI capabilities allow users to "search, get answers, and take actions directly from the cover screen." Think about that for a second. Imagine using AI to manage your entire digital life – banking, shopping, identity verification – all from a secure, integrated platform.

Now, picture that with the fragmented world of crypto. While there's innovation happening in decentralized finance (DeFi), it's still incredibly niche and complex. The average consumer certainly isn’t going to stick around for “decentralization” if it comes at the cost of convenience and security. Samsung’s winning hand is that integrated AI, easily available on a glorious, foldable phone will come out on top. And honestly? I think they're right. Will the new 3nm processor surpass the blockchain revolution? It just might.

Convenient Identity Verification Kills Crypto

Digital identity is a huge problem. The reality is every day we are giving more of our personal data to more companies, thereby increasing the chances of data breaches and identity theft. There is good work being done in the crypto space to create decentralized identity solutions, but many of them are years away from mainstream adoption.

Samsung might have the opportunity to bake in secure identity verification right into the FlexWindow. Imagine using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning on the cover screen to verify your identity for online purchases, access secure documents, or even vote in elections. That kind of seamless integration is hugely attractive. This further counters the notion that we need a separate, crypto-based identity system.

Centralization is King For Regulators

Here’s where it gets a bit dicey, and where we want to put money where our mouth is. Governments love control. They appreciate the new transparency it allows them to impose on financial transactions, monitor their citizens’ every move and enforce their rules better. Decentralized crypto wallets complicate all of that immensely.

A centralized system like Samsung Pay, integrated with the Z Flip7's FlexWindow, gives governments exactly what they want: a clear line of sight into the financial lives of their citizens. Regulators are rightfully inclined and pressured to take the side of and throw their weight behind these more centralized solutions. This would prevent decentralized alternatives from getting off the ground. It’s an accidental effect of our instant-gratification world, but an increasingly palpable one.

The "Apple Effect" Hurts Crypto Adoption

Let's face it: Samsung has become the de facto Android alternative to Apple. And Apple—as a walled garden with a strong, almost religious user experience focus—has always been crypto unfriendly. If Samsung follows a similar path, prioritizing ease of use and security over decentralization, it could effectively shut down crypto adoption for a massive segment of the population.

Even better is the new durable FlexWindow, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and with an Armor Aluminum frame. Now with advanced AI features, this little device is a mighty marvel! This will be a game-changing device to the average consumer. It addresses the user who just wants to buy their latte and read their email without fighting confusing interfaces. And that's why, as much as it pains me to say it, I believe the Z Flip7 is a significant threat to the future of crypto wallets. If the future is indeed foldable and as the XEA study warns, centralized.