What happened?
Samsung partnered with Coinbase to put Coinbase services directly into the Samsung Wallet for more than 75 million U.S. Galaxy users, with a global rollout planned. Users get perks like three months of Coinbase One free, a $25 credit after their first trade, and Samsung Pay integration for buying crypto. The update turns Samsung Wallet into a hub for IDs, cards, keys and crypto, making it easier to buy, store and manage digital assets on your phone.
Who does this affect?
It directly affects millions of Galaxy smartphone owners in the U.S. now and potentially hundreds of millions worldwide when the rollout expands, giving casual users a simpler path into crypto. Coinbase benefits by gaining a huge built-in audience, while rival exchanges, wallets and payments providers face stronger competition for retail customers. Institutions and infrastructure providers are also impacted indirectly as increased retail activity raises demand for custody, liquidity and trading services.
Why does this matter?
Lowering the friction to buy and hold crypto on a major phone platform should boost retail adoption and trading volumes, which can raise liquidity and fee income for exchanges like Coinbase. The deal strengthens Coinbase’s consumer reach and pressures competitors and traditional finance firms to respond with partnerships or new products, likely speeding up innovation and consolidation in the space. Paired with moves like CME’s 24/7 trading plans and advanced analytics tools, easier phone-based access helps mainstream crypto, which could lift market activity, asset prices, and attract more institutional services and regulatory scrutiny.