Samsung to Double AI Devices to 800 Million by 2026

Samsung Electronics announced plans on Monday to double the number of its AI-enabled mobile devices to 800 million units in 2026, up from 400 million rolled out by the end of last year, as the South Korean company accelerates integration of artificial intelligence across its consumer products. The expansion, revealed by co-CEO T.M. Roh in his first interview since taking the role in November, aims to embed AI features in smartphones, tablets, televisions, and home appliances, positioning Samsung to challenge competitors in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The initiative centers on Galaxy AI, Samsung's suite of features powered primarily by Google's Gemini model, with the company's Bixby assistant handling certain on-device tasks. This hybrid approach combines cloud-based processing for complex functions with local intelligence to enhance speed, capabilities, and user privacy. "We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible," Roh told Reuters. The plan builds on Samsung's role as the world's largest supporter of Google's Android platform, providing a vast distribution network for Gemini amid intensifying competition with developers...