Samsung Boosts Galaxy Phones with New AI Features

Samsung has rolled out a new feature boost to millions of Galaxy phones, bringing AI capabilities to older models. Last month, Samsung surprised Galaxy S23 owners by updating their phones with exclusive Galaxy S24 AI features. Now, the company has confirmed that even more phones will receive an AI update.

In a press release on Monday, Samsung announced that select Galaxy AI-powered features will be available on phones released in 2022, including the Galaxy S22 series. The AI update, delivered via One UI 6.1, is set to start rolling out in early May.

The update will include a range of AI features, such as Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and generative image editing, among others. Other AI-powered tools in One UI 6.1, including Chat Assist, Interpreter, and AI-generated wallpapers, will also be included. The only feature not included in the update is Instant Slow-Mo, likely due to hardware demands.

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. Samsung also plans to bring two AI features—Circle to Search and Chat Assist—to the Galaxy S21, Flip 3, and Fold 3.

Samsung has expressed its commitment to bringing its core AI features to as many Galaxy phones as possible. TM Roh, Samsung’s head of mobile, stated last month that the company is actively reviewing which older tablets and handsets can run its latest AI technology.

The question remains as to which older phones will receive the AI toolkit. The Galaxy S20 series, released in 2020, is no longer receiving Android updates but still gets quarterly security patches. It’s unclear if Samsung’s four-year-old flagship phone will also receive AI features.

Mid-range devices like the recently released A55 and A35 do not currently support Galaxy AI, possibly due to specifications. However, if three-year-old phones can support select AI skills, it raises the question of why the latest mid-range handsets cannot.

Samsung may be choosing to limit its AI technology to upper-tier handsets to maintain a futuristic image associated with AI. The company wants as many people as possible to experience their first mobile AI with Samsung.