Samsung Delivers Major Free AI Upgrade to Millions of Galaxy Users

2026-04-19 services

Nairobi, 19 April 2026
Samsung is providing advanced artificial intelligence features to existing Galaxy S24 and S25 users through a free One UI 8.5 software update, bringing premium S26 capabilities without requiring new hardware purchases. The upgrade includes Call Screening technology that lets AI answer unknown calls, enhanced Audio Eraser for optimising sound across platforms like Netflix, and Creative Studio for transforming images through generative AI editing tools.

Rollout Timeline and Device Eligibility

The One UI 8.5 update is expected to begin its stable rollout on 30 April 2026 in South Korea for Galaxy S25 series devices, with global availability anticipated on 4 May 2026 [1]. These dates, whilst not officially confirmed by Samsung, were noted by a Samsung support agent and align with the maturity of current test builds [1]. Galaxy S24 and S25 series users will receive the upgrade free of charge, with AT&T customers potentially experiencing a slight delay of one to two weeks after the global rollout due to carrier certification requirements [2]. The update represents Samsung’s broader strategy to integrate Galaxy AI into over 100 million Galaxy devices, a commitment that began on 28 February 2024 [3].

Advanced AI Features Coming to Existing Devices

The upgrade brings four key artificial intelligence tools previously exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. Audio Eraser has been optimised to allow users to adjust voices, music, and background noise across platforms including Netflix and YouTube [3]. Creative Studio provides generative AI image editing capabilities, enabling users to transform sketches or modify image styles [3]. Call Screening represents perhaps the most significant addition, deploying an AI-generated voice to answer incoming calls from unknown numbers and transcribe caller responses [1][3]. Enhanced Photo Assist rounds out the feature set, allowing users to edit images through text prompts using generative AI to add or remove objects and change colours [3].

Enhanced Bixby Integration and User Control

One UI 8.5 introduces a significantly improved Bixby voice assistant through Samsung’s partnership with Perplexity AI [3]. The enhanced Bixby can manage device settings via voice commands, including enabling Eye Comfort Shield or Extra Dim features [3]. This functionality represents a capability not yet available on Google or Apple devices [3]. Crucially, Samsung has addressed user concerns about unwanted AI features by ensuring all Galaxy AI tools remain optional and can be disabled in device settings without negatively impacting phone performance [4][5]. As Annika Bizon, Samsung’s VP of Product and Marketing for Mobile Experience, stated during a Reddit AMA held around 15 April 2026: “We always want the decision to be in the hands of our customers” [4][5].

Privacy Protection and Strategic Vision

Samsung addresses data privacy concerns through its KEEP system, which “maintains digital walls between your apps so your data stays isolated, verified and protected” according to Bizon [4]. The company’s strategic vision positions AI as becoming “invisible” and indispensable, with Samsung comparing it to “the electricity that powers your home… something you depend on without even thinking about it” [5]. For users hesitant about AI adoption, Samsung recommends starting with one feature to experience the benefits gradually [5]. The free upgrade strategy demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to extending device lifecycles whilst drawing users into the Galaxy AI ecosystem, making advanced artificial intelligence accessible across different price points rather than restricting premium features to newest models only.

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