Samsung Galaxy AI Devices to Reach 800 Million by 2026

Samsung Electronics plans to double the volume of mobile devices equipped with Galaxy AI features to 800 million units by 2026. This initiative uses the Gemini architecture from Google to enhance device functionality and secure a competitive advantage within the global AI  sector.

The acceleration of this deployment follows a rapid increase in consumer engagement with generative tools. T.M. Roh, President and Head of the Mobile Experience Business, Samsung Electronics, says that the corporation intends to integrate these capabilities across its entire hardware portfolio. "We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible," says Roh, noting that although the technology may be the subject of skepticism, these systems will become widespread within six to 12 months.

The decision to expand Galaxy AI from 400 million units in 2025 to 800 million in 2026 aligns with a significant shift in market perception. According to internal research cited by Samsung, consumer awareness of the Galaxy AI brand rose from 30% to 80% within one year.

This expansion provides a critical platform for Google, the developer of the Gemini 3 model. Alphabet's Google is competing with OpenAI to establish its large language models as the industry standard. OpenAI reportedly issued an internal "code red" following the release of Gemini 3, subsequently accelerating the launch of its GPT-5.2 model.

Samsung aims to use this software integration to regain market share from Apple and maintain its lead over Chinese competitors. Beyond smartphones, the strategy includes the deployment of integrated AI services across televisions and home appliances. Market data from Counterpoint suggests that while Apple was the leading smartphone manufacturer in previous months, Samsung is leveraging AI to differentiate its hardware ecosystem.

The implementation of this AI strategy occurs amid significant volatility in the semiconductor supply chain. A global shortage of memory chips has increased profit margins for the semiconductor division of Samsung, contributing to a 7.5% increase in share price. However, these supply constraints pressure the margins of the mobile phone division, which is the second-largest revenue source for the corporation.

Roh says that no company is immune to the impact of this unprecedented shortage. Consequently, Samsung is evaluating potential price adjustments for consumer products to offset the rising costs of memory components. Market analysts from IDC and Counterpoint project that the global smartphone market may contract in the coming year if chip shortages continue to drive hardware prices upward.

The market for foldable devices also continues to evolve at a slower pace than initially forecasted. Samsung controlled nearly two-thirds of the foldable smartphone market in 3Q25, according to Counterpoint. Roh attributes the measured growth to engineering complexities and a historical lack of optimized applications.

Samsung expects the foldable segment to reach mainstream adoption within two or three years. This projection remains vital as Apple is expected to enter the foldable market during 2026, increasing competition in the premium hardware sector.