Starbucks And Samsung Are Teaming Up For An Unconventional Tech Collab
No stranger to collaborations, Starbucks has worked with a number of companies, musicians, and fashion designers throughout the years to bring a unique spin on its drinks and merchandise. The coffee chain worked with Lady Gaga and her Born This Way Foundation back in 2017 to create new drinks that raised money for the non-profit, as well as with Taylor Swift in November 2021 to bring her favorite Starbucks order — a grande caramel nonfat latte — to its menu, aptly named "Taylor's version" (via Eat This Not That!).
Fashion designers Alexander Wang, Sophie Theallet, and Billy Reid all collaborated with the coffee brand in 2011 to celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a line of t-shirts (via Women's Wear Daily), while fashion labels Diane Von Furstenberg, Rodarte, and Band of Outsiders have also put their own spin on Starbucks' travel mugs in years past.
And now for Starbucks' tech-loving fans, the chain announced a unique collaboration this week with Samsung, which might be one of its most unexpected ones yet — but unfortunately the exclusive items will only be available in one country.
Starbucks' South Korean fans are in for a treat
This week Starbucks debuted a collaboration with technology developer Samsung that consists of unique Starbucks branded cases for Samsung's Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, and the Galaxy Buds 2 (via 9to5 Google).
The most unconventional design featured in the collaboration is one of the custom cases for the Galaxy Buds 2 which is designed to look like a Starbucks coffee cup with a tiny handle, latte art, and all. It's a super original way to keep your earbuds safe and show your devotion to the chain at the same time. For the less adventurous, the other case design is a simple green featuring the Starbucks siren logo.
There are also four different designs to dress up Samsung galaxy phones that are decorated with features that call the Starbucks brand to mind. One is meant to resemble the classic Starbucks barista apron while another features a hand strap designed to look like a Starbucks receipt. Of the remaining two, one features the Starbucks bearista mascot and logo and the other the phrase "count stars in your galaxy," both naturally in green hues.
Unfortunately for Starbucks fans worldwide, this merch is a South Korean exclusive, but it might be a hint at future collaborations for the brand.