Samsung is doubling down on artificial intelligence with its new Galaxy S26 series, positioning the phones as “agentic AI phones” capable of proactively handling tasks for users. The company unveiled a first look at the S26 lineup at Galaxy Unpacked , in San Francisco, emphasizing a shift towards AI that seamlessly integrates into everyday mobile experiences.
“AI must become part of our infrastructure,” said TM Roh, Samsung’s CEO of device experience, during the showcase. “Try to be able to enjoy its benefits through the devices you use every day.” This sentiment underscores Samsung’s commitment to embedding AI not as a novelty feature, but as a fundamental component of its mobile ecosystem.
The Galaxy S26 series will leverage multiple AI agents to fetch information and content, reducing the need for users to manually search or manage tasks. While Google’s Gemini technology remains a central pillar of Samsung’s AI strategy, the company is expanding its options to include Perplexity, an AI-powered “answer engine” gaining traction for its information retrieval capabilities. This multi-agent approach allows users to choose the AI assistant that best suits their needs, and potentially assign different agents to specific tasks.
The integration of Perplexity is noteworthy. Unlike traditional voice assistants, Perplexity focuses on providing direct answers to questions, citing its sources in the process. According to supplementary research, Perplexity’s Sonar API has been integrated at the system level, powering the AI experience across the device. Users will be able to invoke Perplexity using the wake phrase “Hey, Plex” or through a long press of the side button. This suggests a deeper level of integration than simply offering Perplexity as an alternative app.
Samsung is also revamping its own Bixby assistant, incorporating Perplexity’s technology to enhance its functionality. This suggests a move away from Bixby as a standalone assistant towards a more versatile AI tool powered by a combination of Samsung’s own development and external expertise. The company has not detailed the specific changes to Bixby, but the partnership with Perplexity indicates a focus on improving its ability to provide accurate and concise information.
Beyond information retrieval, the Galaxy S26 series will also introduce enhanced AI-powered photo editing tools. One such feature automatically softens a subject’s skin tone in selfies taken with the front-facing camera. While seemingly a cosmetic enhancement, this highlights Samsung’s broader strategy of using AI to improve the user experience in commonly used applications. This type of automated editing could appeal to a wide range of users, simplifying the process of achieving desired results in photos.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, the flagship model, also introduces a new “Privacy Display” feature. This technology limits side-angle viewing without requiring a screen protector, addressing a growing concern about privacy in public spaces. The result of over five years of research and development, Privacy Display restricts visibility from the sides, above, and below the screen, keeping on-screen content concealed from onlookers. Users can even assign the Privacy Display to the side button’s double-press function for quick access.
The S26 Ultra also boasts a slimmer profile, measuring 0.3 mm thinner than its predecessor and weighing 214 grams. This reduction in size and weight, combined with the new Privacy Display, suggests a focus on both usability, and security. The device will be available in Cobalt Violet, Black, Sky Blue, and White.
Samsung’s embrace of a multi-AI agent strategy is a significant departure from the industry trend of relying on a single dominant assistant. By offering users a choice between Gemini, Perplexity, and the revamped Bixby, Samsung is attempting to cater to a wider range of preferences and use cases. This approach also positions Samsung to adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape, potentially integrating new agents and technologies in the future.
The success of this strategy will depend on how seamlessly these different AI agents work together and how effectively Samsung communicates their respective strengths to users. The company will need to demonstrate clear value propositions for each agent to encourage adoption and prevent confusion. Ensuring user privacy and data security across multiple AI platforms will be paramount.
The Galaxy S26 series represents Samsung’s latest attempt to define the future of mobile AI. By combining powerful hardware, an industry-leading camera system, and a diverse range of AI experiences, Samsung is aiming to create a phone that is not only intelligent but also intuitive and adaptable to the needs of its users. The launch of the S26 series marks the third generation of Samsung’s Galaxy AI phone, and the company is clearly signaling its intention to remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving technology.
