If you thought Samsung’s recent AI drive for its range of products was extreme in 2025, you’re in for a slight shock. The company has confirmed that it intends to double the number of AI-supporting devices it releases in 2026, compared to the 400 million AI gadgets launched in 2025.
For those who struggle with basic math (no, not you), that’s 800 million devices heading to market in 2026 that will feature Google’s Gemini AI. Why Samsung isn’t fleshing out Bixby isn’t immediately explained (hint: it’s either a) Google’s money is too attractive or b) Bixby is a bit crap or c) a mixture of both), but Google’s AI assistant is getting the nod for the South Korean company’s range going forward.
Samsung is a Gemini?
Technically, Samsung is a Pisces, but let’s not let that get in the way of the joke. Samsung CEO T M Roh, speaking to Reuters, said, “We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible.” Specifically, Roh means Google’s Gemini, which will enter service on… well, everything.
The company is seeking to regain or solidify its lead over various rivals, with a transition to ‘AI-in-everything’ being viewed as the pathway to achieving those goals, even if artificial intelligence isn’t quite the global buzzword the South Korean giant would like it to be right now. “Even though the AI technology might seem a bit doubtful right now, within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread,” added Roh.
That spreading will be a largely self-fulfilling prophecy, however. If Samsung jams Gemini into everything it has, it’ll be impossible to remain unaware of the tech — no matter how much you’d like to cherish your ignorance. Of course, the move also benefits Google’s AI ambitions. An extra 800 million devices running Gemini, whether the AI tech is used or not, will be counted by the search company as proof that AI adoption is on the rise. That will help it remain competitive against the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and, perhaps, let the money roundabout continue to spin just a little longer.
Samsung has already detailed much of its initial slate of tech for 2026 in a presentation at CES. TVs, soundbars, and other audio-visual tech make up the bulk of the announcements. As you might guess, AI figures greatly in the product announcements, as well as the company’s general ambitions. A fair amount of the presentation focused on artificial intelligence on its own. That’s all fine and well, but it does make us a touch suspicious that Samsung doesn’t have too much hardware innovation coming down the pipe for its upcoming product announcements later this year.
