Ever since Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy AI features, users have been looking forward to when these AI features will make their way to their older devices through the One UI 6.1 update. While there have been several developments since then, we now have word from the horse’s mouth regarding Samsung phones that will receive Galaxy AI features with the One UI 6.1 update.
Notably, the One UI 6.1 update shouldn’t be confused for the Galaxy AI update. The latter is a section of the former, so receiving the One UI 6.1 update doesn’t guarantee you Galaxy AI features. And apparently, Samsung says only last-gen devices will receive the Galaxy S24’s AI features with the One UI 6.1 update. Despite promises of broader rollout covering 100 million devices, Samsung has confirmed that devices released before 2023, including the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, won’t be joining the AI party.
The Galaxy 24 AI package boasts impressive tricks like advanced photo editing with generative AI, voice recording transcription and translation, smart note summarizing, and even real-time phone call translation – all happening on your device. During the S24 launch, Samsung assured upgrades for specific 2023 models like the S23 and Z Fold 5, but pre-2023 flagships got left out.
So, why the cold shoulder for users of the Galaxy S22, Fold 4, Flip 4 and other older Galaxy phones? In an interview with TechRadar, Samsung’s Head of Customer Experience, Patrick Chomet, admitted Galaxy AI won’t grace pre-S23 devices — at least for now. While Samsung remains tight-lipped, cost seems like the likely culprit. Most Galaxy AI features rely on Google’s cloud-based Gemini models, which ain’t cheap. Samsung even hinted at future feature monetization, suggesting cloud costs might play a role.
This news might sting for owners of older flagships, but it’s worth remembering that Galaxy AI is still in its early stages. Perhaps future advancements or strategic partnerships could pave the way for wider compatibility. Until then, pre-2023 Galaxy owners will have to watch from the sidelines as the AI revolution unfolds on newer models.
