#Japan #Tokyo #Samsung Galaxy #Won-Joon Choi #AI OS

Samsung's Innovative Leap in Mobile Technology

In a recent roundtable event in Japan, Won-Joon Choi, the President and COO of Samsung Electronics' MX Business, announced the much-anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. This series marks a significant milestone, introducing the world's first Privacy Display technology, set to revolutionize mobile device security. With the global market release on March 11, 2026, the S26 series has already seen impressive pre-orders, especially for the S26 Ultra, which accounted for over 70% of the orders. Notably, Japan is a primary launch country this time, reflecting the demand from consumers eager to experience cutting-edge technology.

The Power of the Galaxy S26 Series

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series stands as the third-generation AI smartphone, boasting unparalleled performance. Not only does it enhance core functionalities like processing speed, but it also significantly optimizes the camera experience. The innovative Privacy Display allows users to interact with their smartphones anytime, anywhere, with confidence. This development introduces a more accessible AI experience, dubbed as the agent-style AI phone, aiming to integrate AI seamlessly into everyday tasks.

As Choi elaborated, Samsung's vision for the Galaxy series is clear: to promote the widespread adoption of AI. He mentioned, "By the end of 2024, we aim to have Galaxy AI enabled in 200 million Samsung Galaxy devices worldwide." This ambitious target is already on track, with 400 million devices expected to support Galaxy AI by the end of 2025.

Additionally, Samsung is collaborating with Google on a new AI OS, which is designed to foster natural interactions and connections in AI technology. This OS will understand user contexts better, streamlining various services and enhancing the usability of agent-based AI systems.

Revolutionizing the Mobile AI Landscape

To make the agent-style AI phone a reality, a blend of on-device and cloud computing is crucial. Choi explicated that understanding individual user contexts is paramount for personalization. While contextual data is processed on-device to ensure privacy and security, more complex analyses will transition to the cloud. This approach distinctly delineates the strengths of both local and cloud-based computations, ensuring optimal functionality of AI systems.

Core features enabled by the AI OS include proactive suggestions based on contextual understanding, branded as Now Nudge, along with automated task execution capabilities. These features aim to deliver an enhanced user experience across multiple applications, supported by the robust platform of the S26 series.

Expanding Camera Capabilities

Samsung’s innovation doesn’t stop at AI; the company is committed to elevating the photography experience through an end-to-end model. The focus is on integrating hardware and software to enable users—from amateurs to professionals—to achieve stunning photography. With features like optimized composition and color enhancements, even casual users can capture professional-level images with ease.

Privacy Display: A Game-Changing Feature

The highlight of the S26 series, the Privacy Display, was conceived within the MX Business Division after thorough research and ideation. After validating its feasibility, Samsung collaborated with display partners to bring this concept to fruition. Developing the feature presented challenges, such as ensuring performance parity with the standard display while activated. After five years of development, the Privacy Display is now a core differentiation technology for Samsung Galaxy products, with ongoing improvements on the horizon.

Future Updates and Collaborations

The S26 series will also include expanded compatibility with Quick Share, expected to interface with Apple’s AirDrop in future software updates.

About Won-Joon Choi

Won-Joon Choi, who has held his position as President and COO since April 2025, has been instrumental in leading innovations in mobile products at Samsung. His previous roles have positioned him at the forefront of developing transformative technologies, including the first 5G smartphones and foldable devices.
Choi's expertise spans over two decades in wireless communication technology, further enhancing Samsung's competitive advantage in the tech landscape.

As Samsung continues to push boundaries in mobile technology, the Galaxy S26 series not only exemplifies their commitment to innovation but also highlights a future where privacy and AI coexist seamlessly.