Samsung's AI Game Plan Unfolds

In a strategic move to enhance its Galaxy smartphone lineup, Samsung Electronics is currently negotiating with innovators like OpenAI and Perplexity AI. The goal? To infuse cutting-edge AI capabilities into their upcoming Galaxy S26 devices, offering users more than just Google's Gemini.

Expanding Horizons in AI Integration

Choi Won-Joon, the president and COO of Samsung's mobile division, highlighted the company's ambition to broaden customer choices with the next-generation Galaxy S26 set to launch next year. Currently, most Android devices, including Samsung's own, utilize Alphabet's AI model.

A Multi-Vendor Strategy for Competitive Edge

"We're in discussions with multiple vendors," Choi stated during an interview in Suwon, asserting their openness to any AI agent that can deliver optimal user experiences. This approach mirrors competitors like Apple, as Samsung aims to enhance its AI prowess through collaborations.

Investments in Innovative Technology

Reports suggest that Samsung is on the brink of investing in Perplexity and integrating its AI assistant into its ecosystem. This move could significantly amplify the functionality and appeal of its devices.

Chips and Processing Power on the Radar

Samsung isn’t just stopping at AI; the tech giant is also exploring new application processors for the Galaxy S26, weighing options between Qualcomm’s offerings and its own Exynos 2600. In a landmark decision, the just-released Galaxy Z Flip 7 featured the Exynos chipset in a foldable device for the first time.

Competitors and the Race for Innovation

As Samsung navigates its chip strategies and AI enhancements, they’re keeping a close eye on competitors. Notably, Apple is gearing up to launch its first folding iPhone, sharing design elements similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, which could further ignite competition in the foldable market.

A New Era for Smartphones?

Choi believes that Samsung’s latest innovations signify the dawn of making foldable phones mainstream. He emphasized that having another global player entering this segment would be advantageous for the industry as a whole, fuelling a tech renaissance in personal devices.