Galaxy S26 kind of runs a new operating system

Thought the Galaxy S26 was another Android phone on the block? Samsung begs to differ. The phone has set the stage for a new operating system that the South Korean giant is working on.

AI OS

The Galaxy S26 will remind you about notifications. | Image by Samsung

Samsung’s head of mobile business TM Roh claims the Galaxy S26 line is among the first of its phones to run an AI OS developed in partnership with Google. AI is working at the OS level on the new phones, allowing them to complete complex, multi-app tasks with minimal human input.That’s in contrast with most other smartphones, which require customers to toggle between multiple apps. The company rebuilt its system architecture to achieve this automation.

Despite the marketing hype, AI OS has just started to take shape, and an entirely new operating system doesn’t exist just yet. Samsung’s COO of Mobile eXperience Business, Won-Joon Choi, and the European division’s Chief Marketing Officer, Benjamin Braun, admitted as much. They revealed the company is working on AI OS, which will be based on Android.

Samsung expects it to be a differentiator, giving it an edge over Apple and other Android competitors.

The company was thin on specifics, but the main idea is that it will be a proactive system, accomplishing tasks without being prompted.

As Tech Radar points out, Samsung gave a preview of its vision when it showed Galaxy AI automatically detecting a restaurant reservation and prompting the user to add it to their calendar without being asked.

Privacy concerns

For its phones to complete a multi-step task, Galaxy AI would require access to various apps and personal data, which might make customers uneasy. Samsung has assuaged those fears by saying that customers will have the option of using on-device AI, rather than sending their data to the cloud.In theory, the new operating system sounds intuitive and futuristic, and may change how we use our smartphones.

The future is software

In the run-up to the launch of the Galaxy S26, there was a lot of talk about the lineup being underwhelming in terms of hardware upgrades. With the launch of the Galaxy S26 and its goal to create a new operating system, it’s clear that the company wants to elevate the user experience by rolling out more software-based enhancements, rather than focusing on raw specs.

$399
⁹⁹

$899
⁹⁹

$500 off (56%)

The “vanilla” Galaxy S26 has finally been announced. With a next-gen Galaxy AI and a powerful chip, this phone checks all the boxes. Right now, you can pre-order the phone for up to $500 with trade-ins.

Pre-order at Samsung

$399
⁹⁹

$1099
⁹⁹

$700 off (64%)

The Galaxy S26+ is here, bringing improved software and a more powerful processor. The device can now be available for up to $700 off at the official store with eligible device trade-ins.

Pre-order at Samsung

$399
⁹⁹

$1299
⁹⁹

$900 off (69%)

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has been announced, bringing a Privacy Screen feature, insanely fast processor, and multiple Galaxy AI enhancements. Right now, you can pre-order the flagship for up to $900 off with eligible trade-ins.

Pre-order at Samsung