Samsung is preparing a massive rollout of Google’s Gemini AI across its device ecosystem—targeting 800 million smartphones, tablets, and smart devices by 2026. This move marks one of the largest AI integrations in consumer electronics, setting the stage for more intelligent, personalized user experiences across the Galaxy lineup.
The announcement was made by T.M. Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX), in his first major interview since ascending to the co-CEO role in November. Roh’s declaration marks a significant escalation in the global AI arms race, positioning Samsung as the primary vehicle for Google’s Gemini model to reach a mass-market audience.
From Flagship to Every Pocket
In 2025, Samsung successfully deployed “Galaxy AI” , a suite of features largely built on Google’s Gemini platform to approximately 400 million smartphones and tablets. The new target of 800 million units by year-end 2026 indicates that Samsung is moving past the “premium experimental” phase.
“We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible,” Roh told the Media. “Within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread, moving from high-end novelties to essential tools for the everyday consumer.”
While the first wave of Galaxy AI was centered on flagship models like the Galaxy S series, the 2026 roadmap suggests that AI will now permeate the more affordable Galaxy A series and the broader tablet lineup.
Key Features Driving Adoption
According to Samsung’s internal data, consumer awareness of the “Galaxy AI” brand has surged from 30% to 80% in the last twelve months. While “Circle to Search” remains the most common entry point, users are increasingly utilizing:
- Generative Content Tools: Advanced image and video editing.
- Productivity Suites: Intelligent summarization for notes and emails.
- Communication: Real-time voice and text translation in over a dozen languages.
A Strategic Alliance: Samsung and Google vs. The World
Samsung’s aggressive expansion serves as a massive win for Alphabet Inc. As Google’s Gemini 3 model competes for dominance against OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Apple Intelligence, having an installed base of 800 million devices gives Google an unrivaled data and distribution advantage.
This partnership is a centerpiece of Samsung’s strategy to reclaim the global smartphone crown from Apple. By offering a more deeply integrated and widely available AI ecosystem, Samsung hopes to differentiate its hardware in a market where traditional specs like camera megapixels and battery life have hit a plateau of diminishing returns.
Beyond the Smartphone: The “AI Home” Vision
The 800 million figure specifically targets mobile devices, but Roh emphasized that the vision extends to the entire home. At the upcoming CES 2026, Samsung is expected to unveil a new generation of “Bespoke AI” appliances.
Smart Kitchens: New refrigerators equipped with AI Vision (powered by Gemini) will be able to recognize individual food items, suggest recipes based on expiring ingredients, and manage inventory without manual user input.
Home Entertainment: Samsung’s latest Micro RGB TVs and portable projectors will feature Gemini-powered assistants to offer more natural, conversational interaction.
Economic Headwinds and Market Realities
Despite the ambitious rollout, Samsung is facing significant external pressures. A global shortage of memory chips while lucrative for Samsung’s semiconductor division is driving up the cost of manufacturing smartphones. Roh did not rule out the possibility of price increases for upcoming models, noting that some impact on consumer pricing is “inevitable.”
Furthermore, Roh acknowledged that the foldable market, which Samsung pioneered, has grown slower than anticipated due to engineering complexities and a lack of “killer apps.” However, he remains bullish that the integration of Gemini AI will be the catalyst that finally pushes foldables into the mainstream by 2027.
What’s Next?
The industry will get its first look at this expanded AI integration later this month at the Galaxy Unpacked event, where the new Galaxy S26 series is rumored to debut with “Hyper-Personalized AI” capabilities.
