Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) is planning to double the number of its mobile devices powered by Google’s (GOOG) (GOOGL) Gemini this year, its co-CEO TM Roh told Reuters in an interview.
The South Korean firm rolled out Gemini AI features to around 400M devices, including smartphones and tablets, by last year. It plans to double that figure to 800M in 2026.
“We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible,” Roh said. “Even though AI technology might seem a bit doubtful right now, within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread.”
Roh noted that search is the most used AI feature on phones, but consumers also use generative AI editing and productivity tools, as well as AI translation and summary features.
As for the global shortage of memory chips, Roh said no company is immune to its impact, adding that mobile phones and consumer electronics like TVs would be affected by the shortage.
Roh did not rule out price hikes, but noted that Samsung (SSNLF) is working with partners on longer term strategies to minimize the impact of higher memory chip prices.
When asked about foldable phones that Samsung (SSNLF) pioneered in 2019, Roh said the market for the device was growing slower than expected.
But he expects the segment to go mainstream in the next two or three years, adding that a “very high” rate of foldable phone users opt for the same segment for their next purchase.