Samsung has announced that select Galaxy AI-powered features will be coming to phones it released in 2022, including the Galaxy S22 series, via an update called One UI 6.1, which will start rolling out in early May. This update will include a range of AI features such as Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, generative image editing, Chat Assist, Interpreter, and AI-generated wallpapers. Notably missing from the update is the feature called Instant Slow-Mo, likely due to hardware limitations. The eligible 2022 phones for the update include the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and all models in the Galaxy Tab S8 range.
In addition to the 2022 phones, Samsung has also confirmed that AI features like Circle to Search and Chat Assist will be coming to older phones such as the Galaxy S21, Flip 3, and Fold 3. These features are expected to roll out in early May as well, although they were not mentioned in the initial press release. Samsung has expressed its desire to bring its core AI features to as many Galaxy phones as possible that it still supports with software updates. TM Roh, Samsung’s head of mobile, has stated that the company is actively reviewing which older tablets and handsets can run its latest AI technology, indicating that more devices may receive AI updates in the future.
There is speculation about whether older phones like the Galaxy S20 series, released in 2020, will receive the AI toolkit update. While these phones are no longer receiving Android updates, they still get quarterly security patches, prompting the question of whether they will also receive AI features. Additionally, mid-range devices like the A55 and A35 do not currently have Galaxy AI, possibly due to hardware limitations. Samsung may be focusing on its upper-tier handsets to maintain the futuristic image associated with AI technology, with the company aiming to provide as many people as possible with their first mobile AI experience through Samsung devices.
Samsung’s decision to bring AI features to a wider range of its smartphone lineup reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and ensuring that its customers have access to the latest technology. By updating older phones with AI capabilities, Samsung is enhancing the user experience and keeping its devices relevant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. As AI continues to play an increasingly important role in mobile technology, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in this space by democratizing access to these advanced features across its product range. With the rollout of AI updates to more devices on the horizon, Samsung is poised to solidify its position as a key player in the AI-enabled smartphone market.
