AI is making waves everywhere, except where you’d expect it most. Two giant tech companies are working to change that

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various aspects of everyday life, from work to social interactions. Yet, the devices we use to access this technology, particularly smartphones, have seen minimal innovation in this area—until now. Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S26 series, aiming to revolutionize the smartphone experience through advanced AI capabilities. The Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra aim to predict user actions and perform tasks autonomously. For instance, Google is introducing a feature for its Gemini assistant that enhances user convenience in applications like ride-sharing and grocery shopping. Imagine preparing for a barbecue; Gemini can compile a shopping cart with the necessary items based on your guest list, or if you have a flight soon, your S26 could prompt you with a quick option to order an Uber directly from the home screen. Industry analysts suggest these innovations signal a future where smartphones minimize manual actions, with AI taking on much of the workload. Nabila Popal, a senior director at International Data Corporation, emphasizes that this is the direction of smartphone evolution. However, the timeline for widespread adoption remains uncertain, raising questions about whether these features will motivate users to upgrade their devices. Historically, consumers have favored aesthetic upgrades—such as new colors or improved camera technology—over AI features. Runar Bjorhovde from Omdia highlights that last year's surge in smartphone sales was largely driven by the introduction of vibrant colors like Cosmic Orange for the iPhone 17 Pro. Despite this, Samsung's latest models boast significant enhancements, including upgraded processors and cameras optimized for low-light conditions, alongside new privacy features that obscure sensitive information from onlookers. Drew Blackard, Samsung's senior vice president of mobile product management, notes that AI integration is the overarching theme for this year's smartphones, continuing a trend that has been evolving. Google, while producing its own Pixel phones, recognizes the influence of Samsung's widely-used devices in shaping consumer experiences with Android. Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem at Google, envisions a future where AI is more proactive, transforming user interactions far beyond current chatbot interfaces. The Galaxy S26 also allows users to execute tasks using voice commands, such as adjusting screen brightness when experiencing eye strain. Additionally, Perplexity's AI assistant will be integrated into the S26, providing alternative options for managing requests. Despite the growth of AI applications like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, AI features have not emerged as primary motivators for new phone purchases, with consumers prioritizing price, camera quality, and display features instead. Interestingly, while AI's role in personal devices may not be top of mind for users, its presence is undeniable. Many smartphone functionalities, from image processing to app performance, are powered by AI, often without users' awareness. Competing tech giants like Apple are not falling behind; they are also innovating in AI, with plans for an enhanced Siri experience based on Google's Gemini model, although progress has faced delays. Overall, the race to adapt smartphones for the AI era is intensifying, driven by a collective fear of missing out on the next pivotal technological advancement.