Update, Tuesday January 21, 2025: This article has been updated with potential Galaxy AI features and an AI-based Android XR headset..
London’s skyline is lit up by an epic drone show to celebrate the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy … (+)
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the company’s flagship Galaxy AI software handset. Following its launch at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, the S25 family, including the powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra, will form the basis for Galaxy AI’s development and growth through 2025 and beyond.
This is Samsung’s opportunity to take the lead and determine the future of mobile artificial intelligence.
Samsung Galaxy AI and the promotion of the new world
Although Google used the launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October 2023 as a signal to start the AI-powered smartphone revolution, Samsung’s simultaneous launch of the Galaxy S24 family and the introduction of Galaxy AI brought AI to the general public. Kantar Research cited AI as a sales driver in 2024, with nearly one in four consumers purchasing a Galaxy S24 phone thanks to AI.
There are arguably two manufacturers that can have a significant impact on consumers and directly change the direction of smartphone development. One is Samsung, the other is Apple. Apple has yet to complete the rollout of the first iteration of the awkwardly-named Apple Intelligence, and it’s in catch-up mode compared to the entire Android platform, not to mention Samsung.
Meanwhile, Samsung is expected to announce a major Galaxy AI update during this week’s Galaxy Unpacked event. By 2025, the South Korean company’s AI decisions will be considered the industry’s decisions. Through the Pixel family, Google has highlighted and demonstrated where it believes smartphone AI should go. Samsung is ready to embark on the new path and reap the rewards of defining the direction.
Samsung staff show that ‘Samsung Galaxy AI is here’ at Mobile World Congress 2024 in … (+)
Samsung Galaxy AI and the rising tide
Samsung is not the only smartphone manufacturer innovating in the field of AI. By 2024, every notable manufacturer has brought its own flavor of artificial intelligence and generative AI to market. With each version, the principle of the AI smartphone has become less of a novelty than an intrinsic element of a smartphone. Reporting on the rise of AI smartphones, IDC’s Anthony Scarsella said: “GenAI-enabled devices are locked and loaded and appear to be the next big thing the industry needs to deliver to consumers. »
Last year, Galaxy AI launched into a relative void. Consumers were unsure about AI, what it could offer, and why there was an urgent need to have it on their phones. The rising wave of Android smartphones has answered these questions over the past twelve months. Galaxy AI in 2025 is not launching into a market filled with questions and anxiety; it is launching into a proven market where questions have been answered and anxiety has given way to enthusiasm.
This gives Samsung more time and opportunity to move forward and innovate rather than working to establish a base.
London’s skyline is lit up by an epic drone show to celebrate the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy … (+)
How to pay for Samsung Galaxy AI
Then there is perhaps the biggest question regarding AI in general and generative AI in particular. Who pays for all this?
AI smartphones have important local components that enable AI processing on the device. Yet several popular and heavily advertised AI capabilities rely on cloud-based servers to deliver fast and accurate results. Many of the best-performing multimedia features fall into this category. Generative AI is relatively expensive to operate, and when you scale it across tens of millions of devices, the bills add up.
Not all AI services are free. Google has integrated Gemini Advanced into its existing Google One subscription service; OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro is curiously priced at $200 per month because CEO Sam Altman “thought we’d make money”; and there are smaller AI-based companies, like music-focused SunoAI, that require subscriptions to unlock their full value.
The Rubicon has been crossed, although Galaxy AI remains a free service both on device and in the cloud. This does not mean that this will remain true in the future. Samsung’s fine print in 2024 stated that “fees may apply to some AI features in late 2025.” As the largest player in the global market, if Samsung decides to charge for Galaxy AI, it will legitimize the path for other hardware makers to bring “AI as a Service” to their consumers, potentially moving to the same freemium model as many others. services in the AI industry.
Samsung Galaxy AI and the Now bar
Updated, Monday January 20, 2025: More details about the AI suite that will be part of the Galaxy S25 family have been leaked ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked launch event on Wednesday, January 22. The SamMobile team highlighted several features they expect to see:
“Some other Galaxy AI features that will debut with the Galaxy S25 were leaked earlier. These features include AI for homework, music search, enhanced routines, and YouTube notes. The phones are also said to have integration Gemini AI for Now Bar, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes and Reminder.
Some of these features have already been seen in the OneUI7 beta, Samung’s Android version and the main operating system of the Galaxy line. Samsung presented part of the Now Bar just before Christmas 2024:
One of the defining elements of One UI 7 is Now Bar, which gives a new meaning to personalization by seamlessly integrating your daily actions and most-used apps into your lock screen. This is where you can control your entertainment, time your next personal workout, get directions to your next meeting, or start communicating in other languages.
At the time, it was unclear what AI would be used for the Now Bar. It appears that Google’s Gemini AI will play a large and visible role. If so, Samsung will offer support for Google’s AI system and promote tight integration of its Galaxy S handsets with the latest AI software.
Samsung Galaxy AI and Android XR
Updated, Tuesday January 21, 2025: With the Galaxy S25 family and Galaxy Ai well behind schedule ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, are there any surprises left? Could the South Korean company pull off its version of “One More Thing”?
The January 2024 Galaxy Unpacked ended with the introduction of a new wearable, the Galaxy Ring. Even though it didn’t receive a full launch until the summer, and its close ties to the Galaxy Ai didn’t become apparent until then, it made headlines. In 2025, Samsung could prepare a similar surprise to welcome in 2025.
Business Korea reports the potential launch of Project Moohan, an Android XR headset. Developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, it would compete with the much-noticed Apple Vision Pro launched by Tim Cook and Apple in the summer of 2023:
“(The headset is) a dedicated platform for XR devices jointly developed by Samsung Electronics, Google and Qualcomm. This collaboration aims to resolve portability and content issues that have plagued previous XR devices. Additionally, Project Moohan will feature Google’s generative AI service, Gemini, which is expected to significantly improve user experience. »
Roh Tae-moon, Samsung’s South Korean president and head of the mobile communications business (Photo by … (+)
Final thoughts on Samsung’s AI plans
Samsung took the lead in 2024 by presenting the Galaxy S24 as an AI smartphone. This has paid off through increased sales and consumer awareness, the ability to define market growth, and the ability to set the tone for the cost of AI to consumers. . With the launch of the Galaxy S25 family, Galaxy AI can take a giant step that will once again define the current brand for the benefit of Samsung.
Last year, Samsung had the advantage of being the first to establish itself among consumers and made the most of it. It now has the opportunity to extend that lead and have a material impact on how AI will be integrated, accepted and paid for.
Learn more about the launch and release dates of the Galaxy S25 family and Samsung Galaxy AI…
