Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy AI features, initially introduced with the Galaxy S24, will be extended to selected older Galaxy devices. This move is part of Samsung’s efforts to make its AI technology more widely available. However, it has also been clarified that any model released before 2023 will not get this update for now.
Galaxy AI for Older Devices
Samsung has announced that the Galaxy AI will be rolled out to selected older Galaxy devices. The Galaxy AI deeply integrates with One UI 6.1, the latest Android skin from Samsung. The older devices to get this update as announced by Samsung include
- Samsung Galaxy S23 series (S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S23 FE)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series (Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Samsung Flip 5
The above devices have one thing in common: they are all models released in 2023. Patrick Chomet, director of Samsung’s customer experience department, confirmed in an interview with TechRadar that Galaxy AI will roll out to older devices. However, it will not launch on older devices released before 2023. Thus, flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S22 released in 2023 will not get this update.
Patrick Chomet explained
We want to make sure that, over time, our AI experiences are supported by (mobile device) performance, which requires CPU and GPU power.
… We know Galaxy AI works well on the Galaxy S24 series, and we also know it will work well on the Galaxy S23 series. But we don’t know how intensively ordinary users will use AI, nor do we know how this intensity will affect device resources and cloud resources.
First, we ensure the quality and performance of the features we deploy. Then we’ll understand how people use these features and tune performance. Second, we will deploy Galaxy AI on the second batch of devices, specifically the S23, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Tab S9, to see how well it works.
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Galaxy AI features
Galaxy AI is a suite of features and utilities that can execute wide-ranging tasks to simplify day-to-day activities, help with productivity, and create content. It is Samsung’s attempt to bolster its S24 series with software features that are powered by AI. Galaxy AI introduces meaningful intelligence aimed at enhancing every part of life, especially the phone’s most fundamental role: communication. Some of the exciting Galaxy AI features include Live Translate, Transcript Assist, Circle to Search, Generative Edit, and ProVisual Engine.
Live Translate works within voice calls and text translations, making it ideal for international trips and travelling. Transcript Assist helps transcribe audio recordings and video calls. Circle to Search allows users to draw a circle around an object in a photo to search for it. Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI. ProVisual Engine is a new search engine that uses AI to provide more accurate and relevant search results.
Impact and Future Implications of Galaxy AI not rolling out to older models
Samsung’s decision not to release the Galaxy AI features to older models released before 2023 has several implications:
1. Limited access to AI-powered features: Users of older Samsung devices will not have access to the advanced AI features that are available on newer models, such as intelligent text and call translations, barrier-free communication, and creative freedom with Galaxy’s ProVisual Engine.
2. Advance feature access: This could lead to a situation where older devices are left behind in terms of access to advanced AI features.
3. Cost considerations: Samsung might be limiting Galaxy AI to newer devices due to cost-related reasons. Some Galaxy AI features run entirely on-device, but most require backend work in the cloud, specifically on Google’s Gemini models, which is not free.
4. Performance concerns: Samsung said that one reason for limiting Galaxy AI to newer devices is whether the device’s performance can handle them. This suggests that older devices may not be able to handle the top AI features. This could be a factor in Samsung’s decision.
It is good to note that Samsung will start to charge users for new AI features by the end of 2025. This implies that the use of AI features may come with a cost in the future.
Final Words
Samsung’s decision to extend the Galaxy AI features to older Galaxy devices is quite good. However, the limitation to devices released in 2023 and newer needs some attention. The rollout of the One UI 6.1 update and the specific AI features it will bring to older devices are aspects to look out for in the coming months.
Author Bio
Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience. He covers a wide range of topics in the tech industry from industry politics to mobile phone performance. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has also kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends. He provides insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers. Efe is very passionate about tech and covers interesting stories as well as offers solutions where possible.
