Samsung to deliver Galaxy foldables by drone to southern islets

Samsung Electronics will begin delivering Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 smartphones by drone starting July 19, cutting delivery time to one day for southern islets.

Samsung Electronics has initiated drone delivery service for its latest foldable smartphones for the first time in the country. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics will deliver its latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 smartphones by drone to remote regions of the country, greatly shortening the delivery time from seven days to one.

Drone delivery of mobile devices hasn't been done in Korea before. Samsung has joined hands with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to utilize existing drone infrastructure such as landing and takeoff sites as well as control systems.

"Drones can deliver even after the operation hours of boats," Samsung Electronics said in a release Tuesday. "Thanks to this, delivery times will be significantly shortened from seven days to one day. It also elevates customer convenience since they don't have to visit the store to make purchases."

The service for the latest foldables will be available for islets near Jeju Island, Tongyeong and Yeosu from Friday.

In Jeju, for example, drones carrying mobile devices will take off from stations in Jeju Island's Sangmori or Geumneung neighborhoods to reach nearby islets such as Gapa and Mara.

Samsung plans to expand the scope of the service to other smartphones, tablets, earphones and watches in the Galaxy family that weigh less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds).

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]