Samsung seeks AI expansion and innovation in next-gen Galaxy devices

• Company is testing new application processors for S26, considering both its proprietary Exynos 2600 and chips from longtime partner Qualcomm.

Samsung Electronics is stepping up its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions for the next generation of Galaxy smartphones.

The tech titan is actively negotiating with AI leaders like OpenAI and Perplexity AI to bring a fresh wave of intelligent features to the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch next year.

This push marks a significant move beyond Samsung’s existing partnership with Google and its Gemini model, reflecting a desire to give users greater choice and a richer AI experience.

Choi Won-Joon, President and COO of Samsung’s mobile division, offered a glimpse behind the scenes during an interview at the company’s Suwon headquarters.

“We are talking to multiple vendors. As long as these AI agents are competitive and can provide the best user experiences, we are open to any AI agent out there.” His statement signals Samsung’s appetite for diversity—and perhaps a bit of friendly competition—in the phone AI landscape.

Smartphone race is heating up

June reports indicated Samsung was close to striking an investment deal with Perplexity AI, planning to blend its software and assistant into Galaxy devices. Like its chief competitor Apple, the company is on the lookout for AI partnerships that can bolster in-house development and deliver meaningful upgrades for customers.

Beyond AI, Samsung is also weighing its options for what will power the next Galaxy S26. The company is testing new application processors, considering both its proprietary Exynos 2600 and chips from longtime partner Qualcomm.

The evaluation comes after the debut of the Exynos chipset—in a foldable device—for the first time in the latest Galaxy Z Flip 7. Samsung’s persistent effort to prove Exynos’ efficiency and thermal advantages shows its drive to control more of its tech stack, while gradually reducing reliance on outside suppliers.

The smartphone race is heating up in more ways than one. According to recent industry chatter, Apple is readying its first folding iPhone—drawing on Samsung’s innovations and even using foldable OLED screens from Samsung Display.

The competition doesn’t rattle Samsung’s executive team. “This is just the beginning of making these phones go mainstream,” Choi remarked about the new Galaxy foldables. Another global player in the foldable game would be a positive force for advancement across the industry, he added.

With expanded AI partnerships and ongoing hardware innovation, Samsung is doubling down on its mission: to push boundaries and keep its devices at the forefront of what’s possible in mobile technology.