Samsung to Double Gemini-Powered AI Devices in 2026, Co-CEO Says
Samsung Electronics plans to double the number of its mobile devices equipped with artificial intelligence features powered by Google’s Gemini, as competition in the global AI race intensifies, the company’s co-CEO said.
The South Korean tech giant aims to expand its Gemini-backed AI features from about 400 million devices last year to 800 million smartphones and tablets in 2026, according to TM Roh, who spoke to Reuters in his first interview since becoming co-CEO in November.
“We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible,” Roh said.
Samsung, the world’s largest supporter of Google’s Android ecosystem, is expected to give a major boost to Google as it competes with OpenAI and other rivals to win more consumer adoption of AI models.
The move is part of Samsung’s broader strategy to regain its top position from Apple in the global smartphone market and to counter growing competition from Chinese manufacturers across smartphones, televisions and home appliances—businesses overseen by Roh.
Samsung plans to offer integrated AI services across its consumer products, seeking to widen its lead over Apple in AI-enabled features. Apple, however, was projected to be the world’s largest smartphone maker last year, according to market research firm Counterpoint.
AI race heats up
Alphabet’s Google unveiled the latest version of its Gemini model in November, touting Gemini 3’s strong performance on several industry benchmarks. In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued an internal “code red,” halting non-core projects to speed up development. OpenAI later launched its GPT-5.2 model.
Roh said consumer adoption of AI is accelerating, noting that awareness of Samsung’s Galaxy AI brand surged to 80% from about 30% within a year, based on company surveys.
“Even though the AI technology might seem a bit doubtful right now, within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread,” he said.
While AI-powered search remains the most commonly used feature on smartphones, Roh added that users are increasingly relying on generative AI tools for image editing, productivity tasks, translation and content summaries.
