Samsung Electronics plans to double the number of its mobile devices equipped with Galaxy AI features to 800 million units in 2026, up from about 400 million last year, co-CEO TM Roh told Reuters. The move underscores Samsung’s push to lead consumer adoption of artificial intelligence.
Most Galaxy AI features are powered by Google’s Gemini model, giving Google a major distribution boost as it competes with OpenAI for consumer usage. Roh said Samsung plans to embed AI across “all products, all functions and all services” as quickly as possible.
The strategy is aimed at helping Samsung regain ground against Apple in smartphones and defend its position against Chinese rivals across phones, TVs and home appliances. Galaxy AI includes generative editing, translation, summaries and search, combining Gemini with Samsung’s own Bixby assistant.
Roh said awareness of the Galaxy AI brand has jumped to around 80% from 30% in a year, and he expects AI adoption on phones to accelerate rapidly over the next 6–12 months. Samsung shares rose 7.5% on Monday as investors also anticipated strong earnings tied to a global chip shortage.
However, Roh warned Samsung is “not immune” to the memory chip shortage, which benefits its semiconductor unit but pressures margins in smartphones and other consumer electronics. He said some price impact may be inevitable, even as Samsung works with partners to soften the blow.
Looking ahead, Roh acknowledged slower-than-expected growth in foldable phones but said the segment should go mainstream within two to three years. Samsung currently dominates the foldable market, though competition is intensifying from Chinese brands and a potential foldable iPhone launch.
