Galaxy S26 with more AI:Samsung gives outlook for 2026 and confirms AR glasses

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Samsung achieved historic record profits in the fourth quarter of 2025 thanks to the AI boom. During the earnings call, Samsung announced new details about its smartphone roadmap for 2026. The company provided direct hints about the Galaxy S26 series and upcoming foldables. While Samsung discussed the difficult situation this year due to the memory crisis, several statements from the spokesperson of the MX division (Smartphones and Co.) offer clues about Samsung's plans for its Galaxy devices this year. Among other things, Samsung confirmed the launch of AR glasses with multimodal AI functions.

Galaxy S26 with Agentic AI

After Samsung confirmed one of the first features for the Galaxy S26 yesterday in the form of a privacy display, Seong Cho, Executive Vice President of Mobile Experiences at Samsung, revealed that the next generation of the Galaxy S series will be equipped with agentic AI functions. The executive did not go into detail about the AI plans, but he did say that the upcoming AI functions would bring added value to everyday life.

Agentic AI is intended to take over work steps for users, such as completing purchases, making appointments for them, or buying tickets for events. Here, Samsung might, as in the past, rely on Google's developments. For example, the company uses Google's Gemini as an AI assistant and was the first to implement the Circle-to-Search feature on its S24 series models, even before Google brought it to its Pixel devices. However, Samsung will not only rely on Google for AI. With One UI 8.5, a revamped AI assistant, Bixby, enhanced with Perplexity, is also expected to be introduced.

Beyond new AI features, from which Samsung expects increased smartphone sales, the company also spoke about the use of new camera sensors and a new chip generation. Regarding the new sensors, Samsung is likely referring to a new generation of the 200 MP sensor – a representative from the semiconductor division hinted at such a sensor during the call. According to rumors, however, the improvements might be limited to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to feature the same ISOCELL HP2 200 MP main camera as the S25 Ultra, but with a larger aperture that could enable better low-light photography. For the chip, Samsung is likely alluding to the already announced Exynos 2600, which is reportedly the first to be produced using a 2 nm process.

Thinner and Lighter Devices

Samsung managers also stated that design would be a key focus. Among other things, future Galaxy devices are expected to become slimmer and lighter. Meanwhile, it is reported that a Galaxy S26 Edge will not replace the Plus model, contrary to initial plans. Whether the manufacturer will completely scrap its thin smartphone is questionable; it might be launched later in the year, like the S25 Edge.

Regarding foldables, Samsung plans a stronger product lineup for this year, according to its statements. The company also wants to continue experimenting with new form factors; rumors are circulating about a wide foldable in response to Apple's expected first foldable in the fall.

In addition to new smartphones, Samsung expects continued growth for Galaxy Watches as interest in health and fitness rises. The company also plans to introduce new AI features for this device category.

Furthermore, Samsung plans to expand its range of true wireless earbuds to “create new demand.” Meanwhile, Samsung stated that demand for new tablets is declining but expects notebooks with AI to compensate for this.

AR Glasses Coming

Samsung also confirmed that its AR glasses will be launched this year. According to the company, the glasses will offer “rich and immersive multimodal AI experiences.”

As a close hardware partner of Google, the AR glasses will feature Android XR on the software side and Gemini as the AI assistant. At Google I/O in May 2025, some attendees of the developer conference were able to try out an early AR Glass prototype manufactured by Samsung. In the context of the announcement of various hardware partnerships with eyewear manufacturers such as Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, Google also stated that Samsung would offer smart glasses in the future.

(afl)