Our thumbs glide nimbly across the smartphone screens. Swiping up to close a messaging app, tapping into the Calendar app to check scheduling conflicts, searching for reviews on a cafe we want to visit, and then returning to the messaging app to confirm plans.
With the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the experience is set to become far more seamless. We can rely on Galaxy AI to handle time-consuming tasks and then surface the most relevant options to us. This significantly reduces the need to bounce between apps and manage every input ourselves.
This is agentic artificial intelligence (AI), an emerging type of AI that is poised to transform smartphones, shifting them from reactive tools to proactive agents that understand user intent, anticipate needs and execute actions independently.
“Agentic AI represents the next leap forward. In this shift, AI moves beyond being a tool we operate, and becomes an experience that operates with us,” said Samsung Malaysia Electronics president Charles Kim.
We are closer to AI that truly understands context and routines than many might expect, he said.
Now Nudge in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, for example, prompts users to leave on time, suggest options as we make plans and keep us aligned with our schedule. It turns information into action, transforming smartphones from a passive notification centre into an active guide.
There is also Now Brief, which delivers personalised insights and foresight into our day. Tools like Circle to Search and conversational AI experiences such as Gemini make discovery and learning instantaneous and intuitive.
“Together, these capabilities represent a shift in the role of smartphones, from a device we manage to a companion that understands and supports us,” Kim said.
He is confident that these powerful AI experiences will resonate with Malaysians, who are highly connected, mobile-first and increasingly AI-aware.
“Malaysians who are eager to learn, organise their life and create great content will enjoy the Galaxy S26 Series immensely.”
Multi-agent ecosystem
First introduced in 2025, Galaxy AI redefined how users approach productivity and creativity. With the Galaxy S26 Series, Samsung is taking this vision further, bringing to life an AI experience that is more seamless. It adapts in real time, simplifies complexity and allows everyday life to feel more intuitive and effortless.
At the core of this evolution is Samsung’s strategy to build a multi-agent ecosystem, with different AI partners working in harmony.
“At Samsung, our focus is on delivering deeply personalised experiences across every touchpoint of daily life. A multi-agent ecosystem allows different AI systems to specialise, collaborate and ultimately serve the user more effectively,” Kim said.
This extends beyond the smartphone, he elaborated. It connects the entire environment – home, devices and routines.
“Your air conditioner can adjust based on your arrival patterns. Your television can respond to your presence. Your devices begin to understand not just what you do, but how you live,” Kim said.
This is where AI becomes truly meaningful, where it fades into the background, yet elevates every moment, he added.
Trust is essential
As AI proliferates, it is evolving from a futuristic concept into a foundational technology embedded across an expanding range of products.
At Samsung, where innovation lies in the integration of hardware and intelligence, this shift is redefining experiences.
“A great camera is no longer defined solely by its sensors, but how AI enhances every image.
“Performance is no longer just about speed, but about how intelligently a device adapts to the user,” Kim elaborated.
Deputising agentic AI to handle tasks and prompt options will soon become the next wave of digital experiences.
Interestingly, however, Kim noted that AI may not always be the most obvious factor in purchase decisions.
“Consumers may not always define their choices by ‘AI’ as a category, but they will increasingly choose devices that feel more intuitive, more responsive and more aligned with their needs. That is the true measure of AI’s impact,” Kim elaborated.
As AI becomes more predictive and autonomous, concerns around privacy and trust are also growing. Kim stressed that trust is the foundation of any meaningful AI experience.
“As intelligence becomes more integrated into our lives, safeguarding user data is not optional – it is essential.
“This is why we have built security into every layer of our ecosystem, anchored by platforms such as Samsung Knox. Our approach is clear: AI must remain human-centric. It must empower users without compromising their privacy, and operate with transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that only then can AI reach its full potential.
Advancing AI in Malaysia
Malaysia has embraced AI as part of its national development agenda, positioning itself as a regional hub for digital transformation.
Acknowledging that Malaysia’s strength lies in its openness to innovation, Kim observed a willingness to adopt new technologies and explore new ways of working and living across industries and communities.
This creates a strong foundation for AI to thrive, he said, adding that Samsung can play a role in enabling this progress by delivering technology that is not only advanced, but accessible, reliable and meaningful in everyday contexts.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysians as they embrace AI, not as a distant concept, but as a practical tool for growth and empowerment.”
Malaysia stands out in the region as a key driver to the future of AI, Kim added.
“Its dynamic economy, digital ambition and growing role as a regional hub make it an important partner in shaping what comes next. At Samsung, we see Malaysia not just as a market, but as a collaborator in this journey,” he said.
While Samsung continues to advance its AI capabilities, beginning with the Galaxy S26 Series, it is equally focused on how these innovations translate into real impact.
“The agentic AI era is not a distant vision. It is already taking shape, and we are committed to ensuring it evolves in a way that improves lives meaningfully,” Kim said.
