Samsung Galaxy A35, A55 to Get Some Galaxy AI Features in 2024

Samsung will reportedly bring some of its Galaxy AI features to the relatively affordable Galaxy A35 and A55 smartphones, both of which were launched earlier this year. The features, which debuted along with the Galaxy S24 series at the beginning of 2024, have so far not trickled down below the company’s premium Galaxy S and Z series, but that seems likely to change soon. According to a report by SamMobile, these two mid-range models will be updated with a subset of Galaxy AI capabilities with a OneUI update within two months.

Galaxy AI refers to a set of software capabilities that leverage the on-device AI processing power of modern processors. It is not clear whether the lower-end Galaxy A35 and A55 smartphones will run all supported features offline. On currently supported devices, Galaxy AI includes Circle to Search, which lets users look up contextual information for whatever is on their screen, in any app, just by highlighting or drawing a circle around it. Current-gen Galaxy S and Z series devices can also automatically summarise blocks of text and voice recordings, show real-time translations for in-person conversations and phone calls.

Galaxy AI is also seen in these devices’ camera apps, enabling auto-framing of selfies and letting users reframe photos and erase or move subjects after taking a shot. Samsung is also using this term for some of the new health tracking features of its Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring wearables, and has integrated some of its Galaxy Buds earphones as well.

Interestingly, even when Galaxy AI features were first announced, Samsung was reported to be working on options to monetise them. It is likely that they will be bundled as a subscription service after a period of free access, though no details have yet been confirmed. Now, it seems that millions more phones will be eligible, giving the company even more scope to generate revenue. As per reports, the Galaxy A35 and A55 will be updated to include at least some Galaxy AI features with OneUI 6.1.1, which is expected to roll out in August or September.

It is not yet known exactly which features will trickle down to Samsung’s more affordable models. The company could reserve some features for its flagship devices, or be constrained by on-device processing power.