SEOUL — Samsung Electronics said it plans to more than double the number of its Galaxy devices equipped with artificial intelligence features to over 800 million units worldwide by the end of 2026, according to the company’s mobile division president TM Roh.
The expansion would represent a major acceleration from Samsung’s current installed base of approximately 400 million AI-enabled devices and signals an aggressive push to establish its Galaxy AI platform as a global standard for on-device artificial intelligence.
Samsung’s AI strategy centers on integrating advanced generative AI features directly into smartphones, tablets, wearables and other connected devices, combining its proprietary models with Google’s Gemini AI technology.
Galaxy AI Expansion Strategy
Galaxy AI refers to Samsung’s suite of on-device and cloud-based artificial intelligence tools that provide real-time translation, generative photo editing, call assistance and writing support across Galaxy devices.
Samsung has been expanding these features beyond its flagship Galaxy S series to its mass-market A-series smartphones and other connected products, allowing a broader consumer base to access generative AI capabilities.
The company is also introducing Galaxy AI functions across tablets, smartwatches and emerging wearable products, widening the scope of its AI ecosystem.
Partnership With Google
Samsung has partnered with Google to integrate Gemini AI models into its One UI software platform. The collaboration allows Samsung devices to access Google’s large language models while maintaining on-device processing for selected features.
Industry analysts view the partnership as a strategic move to accelerate the rollout of generative AI tools while avoiding the lengthy development cycles associated with building proprietary large-scale AI models.
Competitive Landscape
Samsung is the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer by shipment volume but has traditionally trailed Apple in premium market share.
By expanding the Galaxy AI platform across a broader device range, Samsung aims to strengthen its position in both the premium and mass-market segments as consumer interest in AI-enabled mobile devices grows.
Apple is expected to introduce its own generative AI features across future iPhone models, increasing competition in the mobile AI segment.
Supply Chain Challenges
A key challenge for Samsung’s AI expansion is the rising demand for high-performance DRAM memory chips required to support on-device generative AI processing.
Memory chip prices have increased as AI workloads drive higher demand across the semiconductor industry. Analysts note that sustained supply constraints could affect device pricing and production capacity.
Samsung is one of the world’s largest memory chip manufacturers, which may provide some insulation from broader supply shortages.
Software Updates for Existing Devices
Samsung said many Galaxy AI features will also be delivered to eligible older smartphones through One UI software updates, allowing existing users to access selected generative AI functions without purchasing new devices.
The company has already begun rolling out updates that include translation tools, writing assistance and photo editing enhancements across multiple Galaxy device generations.
Outlook
Samsung’s plan to expand to more than 800 million AI-enabled devices by 2026 represents one of the most ambitious deployments of on-device artificial intelligence in the consumer electronics industry.
The strategy places Samsung at the center of the growing competition between major technology companies seeking to define the future of mobile AI platforms.