The Future of AI at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Event
On July 22, 2026, Samsung Electronics will host the highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event in London, England. This event marks a significant milestone in the tech realm, as the focus shifts from merely intelligent AI to what Samsung CEO TM Rho describes as "Understanding AI."
A Shift in Perspective
History often demonstrates repetition, and groundbreaking technology transforms only when innovations become woven into the fabric of daily life. The true turning point arrives when inventions are accessible and utilized by everyone. This principle applies equally to AI:
The rapid evolution of AI is accelerating without hesitation, but realizing its potential to profoundly enhance people's lives hinges on answering a vital question: "How does AI's intelligence become accessible to everyone, and in what ways?"
This leads us into a new chapter of AI's journey.
From Response to Understanding
AI is no longer just a tool for answering questions; we have entered the era of AI agents, which operate on our behalf, leaving final decisions to individuals. For AI to act on someone’s behalf, it must first understand that individual. Consequently,
the interactions between AI and people—these points of contact—are crucial. These connections allow AI to comprehend individuals, fostering trust and creating valuable experiences.
Samsung recognizes that the most effective AI experiences stem from devices that best understand users. Our smartphones, which accompany us daily, serve as the closest mediums of interaction. Tablets present ample opportunities for creativity and learning, while smartwatches read bodily signals like sleep patterns and heart rates. Television and smart appliances provide contextual information from daily life. Additionally, modern devices like foldable smartphones and intelligent eyewear pave the way for expanded interactions with AI, tailoring solutions precisely to individual needs.
Building a Connected Ecosystem
The interconnection of various devices strengthens these interactions. For instance, a smartwatch monitoring last night’s sleep could inform recommendations for the day ahead. Excellent AI operates discreetly in the background, supporting users and crafting a coherent experience by seamlessly bridging everyday moments. Thus, Samsung has invested years into constructing an ecosystem that not only delivers AI but connects it cohesively.
This endeavor isn’t about Samsung achieving this alone; significant transformative platforms have always thrived as open and accessible. The web and mobile operating systems exemplify this openness. Through SmartThings, we integrate devices, services, and partnerships into a unified experience while championing the development of open industry standards. Being open facilitates faster dissemination of great ideas to a wider audience. Rather than layering AI onto existing systems, we design around AI, ensuring it functions adaptively according to each user’s circumstances.
However, mere openness is not the end goal. The real challenge lies in transforming this intelligent capability into something personal, safe, and reliable. The pinnacle of intelligence must reach people through the devices they utilize daily. To achieve true personalization, it’s crucial to understand users deeply and safeguard that understanding securely. This responsibility is paramount.
Personalization on the Horizon
As AI becomes more personal and autonomous, trust and safety must become foundational elements. Users need to recognize what AI is doing for them and maintain control over it. Trust cannot be an afterthought; it must be engrained from the get-go.
Samsung Knox exists to safeguard each Galaxy device, now extending protection even across devices. As AI flows seamlessly between devices, the safeguarding of connecting information becomes increasingly important. With Samsung Knox, personal data remains securely on devices, enabling users to comprehend AI’s function while retaining full control.
The Shape of Future Devices
These considerations also reflect in the design of our devices. As AI grows more personal and advanced, device form factors become increasingly critical. With the capability of AI to perform various tasks simultaneously, foldable screens open new horizons. This flexibility embodies the allure of foldable smartphones; they fit in the palm and unfold into expansive screens. Samsung is committed to evolving this form factor to be thinner, lighter, more durable, and immersive.
Healthcare and Daily Life
AI’s impact extends crucially into healthcare. Daily decisions around sleep, recovery, and health management can seem minor but culminate in significant changes. Devices like smartwatches capture these nuances and help foster better daily routines.
A New Experience Awaits
At the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, we will showcase the "next-gen experience" that connects all these elements. Expect a more personalized and intuitive AI experience, laying the groundwork for reliable partnerships that support users. The upcoming focus will shift from who houses the most intelligent AI to who properly understands people and can transform that understanding into trusted experiences.
Samsung remains dedicated to openness and responsibility in this ongoing evolution. The journey begins with the devices you already possess. Stay tuned for the next chapter at Galaxy Unpacked!
Live Broadcast Details:
Date: July 22, 2026, at 22:00 JST
Watch on the
Samsung Japan official site (Japanese subtitles available) and
Samsung Japan official YouTube.