Samsung Electronics will double the number of mobile devices with Galaxy AI features to 800 million units in 2026. The company rolled out Gemini-backed AI features to about 400 million smartphones and tablets by last year. According to Reuters, co-CEO T M Roh announced the expansion in his first interview since taking the role in November.
Google Partnership and AI Race
Galaxy AI relies on Google’s Gemini model and Samsung’s own Bixby assistant for different tasks. The plan gives Google a major boost as it competes with OpenAI and others to attract consumer users. Samsung is the world’s largest backer of Google’s Android mobile platform.
Google launched the latest Gemini version in November. The company highlighted Gemini 3’s lead on several industry measures of AI model performance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued an internal code red in response. The ChatGPT maker launched its GPT-5.2 AI model weeks later.
Roh said Samsung surveys show awareness of its Galaxy AI brand jumped to 80% from about 30% in just one year. Search is the most used AI feature on phones. Consumers also use generative AI editing and productivity tools for images. Translation and summary features are also popular.
Market Competition
Samsung seeks to reclaim its crown from Apple in the smartphone market. Apple was set to be the top smartphone maker last year, according to market researcher Counterpoint. Samsung also faces competition from Chinese rivals in mobile phones, televisions, and home appliances.
Memory Chip Shortage Impact
A global shortage of memory chips pressures margins on Samsung’s smartphone business. The company is the world’s number one TV maker. Roh said no company is immune to the crisis. The shortage affects mobile phones and other consumer electronics, from TVs to home appliances.
Roh did not rule out raising product prices. He said some impact was inevitable from a surge in memory chip prices. Samsung shares ended up 7.5% on Monday. The company is set to flag a profit jump for the fourth quarter this week.
Market researchers predict the global smartphone market will shrink next year. The memory chip shortage threatens to drive up phone prices. Samsung controlled nearly two-thirds of the foldable smartphone market in the third quarter of 2025, according to Counterpoint.
