Samsung To Double Gemini-Powered AI Devices to 800 Million in 2026, CEO TM Roh Outlines ‘AI Living’ Vision for Galaxy Ecosystem

Seoul, January 5: Samsung Electronics has announced plans to double the number of its mobile devices featuring artificial intelligence (AI) powered by Google’s Gemini platform to 800 million units by the end of 2026. The move, confirmed by co-CEO T.M. Roh in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Monday, 5 January 2026, underscores the South Korean tech giant's aggressive strategy to lead the "AI phone" era and solidify its partnership with Alphabet Inc.

The announcement comes as the global race for AI dominance intensifies, with Samsung seeking to maintain its edge over Apple and rapidly advancing Chinese competitors. By the end of 2025, Samsung had successfully integrated Gemini-backed features into approximately 400 million products, including smartphones and tablets. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaks Show Potential Design Change, Camera Enhancement; Check Expected Price, Specifications and Features.

Samsung's Aggressive Expansion Across Ecosystems

"We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible," Roh stated during the interview, his first since assuming the co-CEO role in November. This goal involves moving beyond premium handsets to bring advanced generative AI features to mid-range devices and the broader Galaxy ecosystem.

The expansion is expected to provide a significant boost to Google’s Gemini model, which is currently locked in a fierce battle for market share against OpenAI’s GPT models. By leveraging Samsung’s massive global hardware footprint, Google stands to gain an unprecedented volume of real-world user data and interaction.

Samsung Strategic Rivalry with Apple and Chinese Brands

Samsung’s target of 800 million units is a direct response to Apple’s rollout of Apple Intelligence and the growing pressure from Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo, which have been integrating localized AI models.

While Apple has historically focused on premium tiers, Samsung’s strategy involves democratising AI across its price segments to reclaim its position as the world's top smartphone maker. Market researchers note that "Galaxy AI" awareness has already surged from 30 per cent to 80 per cent among consumers over the past year, providing a strong foundation for this year's growth.

Gemini AI Powered Samsung Devices Challenges: Hardware and Memory Constraints

Despite the ambitious targets, industry analysts warn of potential headwinds. The smartphone market faces a looming memory chip shortage in 2026, which could drive up production costs. High-end AI features typically require significant RAM and specialized neural processing units (NPUs), making the transition for entry-level devices technically challenging.

Samsung has not ruled out the possibility of price adjustments for its upcoming 2026 models to account for rising component costs. However, the company remains committed to its "AI-first" vision, viewing the technology as the primary driver for device upgrades in a maturing global market.

Beyond Mobile: Integrated Home AI

The 800 million unit target primarily covers mobile devices, but Roh indicated that the integration would extend to Samsung’s televisions and home appliances. The company aims to create a seamless, cross-category AI experience where home devices and mobile phones interact through a unified intelligent assistant, likely an upgraded version of Bixby powered by Gemini and potentially Perplexity AI. Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Likely to Avoid Price Hike in US, Indian Buyers May Face Higher Prices as Component Costs Rise: Report.

The first major showcase of this expanded AI integration is expected to take place at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for next month, where the new Galaxy S26 series will reportedly debut.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 11:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).