Samsung finally took the wraps off the Galaxy S26 series last night during its Unpacked 2026 event. While the new generation of Galaxy devices brings some significant upgrades, this year Samsung has also added some interesting AI features designed to improve daily productivity, rather than just offering flashy tools users use once and forget.
The Galaxy S26 line-up is Samsung’s third generation of AI-focused smartphones, and this time the intelligence is more deeply tied to the hardware. Here are five AI features that seem promising and are aimed at helping users in day-to-day use.
1) Now Brief gets more proactive
Samsung has updated its Now Brief feature, making it more proactive and personalised on the Galaxy S26 series. This AI-powered tool surfaces timely reminders for important events, such as reservations or travel updates, based on the user’s personal context.
By analysing ongoing activities, the feature helps users stay organised throughout the day with minimal manual input.
2) Circle to Search now understands more at once
Another major update comes with Circle to Search with Google, which now offers enhanced multi-object recognition. On the S26 series, users can explore multiple parts of an image at once, identifying details like clothing items simultaneously.
The feature is said to enable deeper and more efficient searches, helping users find information more quickly and accurately.
3) Bixby feels more conversational
Samsung has also reworked Bixby to make voice control less rigid and more conversational. With the S26, users can control their phone and adjust settings using natural language, eliminating the need for exact terminology or commands.
This update is designed to make device navigation easier for all users, regardless of technical know-how, aligning with the broader shift towards more accessible smartphone interfaces.
4) A built-in Privacy Display on the Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display designed to limit viewing angles, making sensitive content harder for people nearby to see.
Unlike third-party screen protectors, this feature is integrated into the display technology itself. For users who frequently work on emails, banking apps or documents in public spaces, this could be more practical than carrying additional accessories.
5) Built-in scam detection during calls
Another highlighted AI feature in partnership with Google is on-device scam detection integrated into the Samsung Phone app.
Using an on-device AI model, the new Samsung phones can analyse calls in real time and issue audio and vibration alerts if patterns commonly associated with scam calls are detected. Samsung notes that this processing happens entirely on the device, and numbers saved in your contacts are excluded by default.
