"Samsung 2026 AI TVs will come with built-in Google Photos, turning your television into a personalized, AI-powered photo hub with smart memories, editing, and ambient displays."
Samsung is taking smart TVs to the next level in 2026. The company has confirmed that its upcoming AI-powered TVs will feature a built-in Google Photos experience, transforming the TV into a personal photo and memory hub for the living room.
Instead of just being a screen for movies and OTT apps, Samsung wants your TV to showcase memories, photos, and AI-generated visuals in a natural and meaningful way. The rollout will happen in phases throughout 2026, with some features launching first on Samsung TVs before expanding to other platforms.
What is Samsung Adding to Its 2026 AI TVs?
The biggest change is the native integration of Google Photos directly into Samsung TVs. This is not a basic app port, but a deeply connected experience designed for large screens.
- You can sign in with your Google account and access your entire Google Photos library.
- The interface is optimized for TVs with cinematic layouts.
- Only one Google Photos account can be logged in per TV.
Photos must already be backed up to Google Photos to appear on the TV.
How Does Google Photos Work With Samsung Vision AI?
Google Photos will integrate with Samsung Vision AI Companion, also known as VAC. This means photos will not stay inside a single app.
Your TV can intelligently surface memories in:
- Daily Board
- Daily Plus
- Ambient and idle screen modes
When the TV is not actively being used, it can act like a smart photo frame, showing meaningful moments instead of a blank screen.
The 3 Main AI Photo Features Coming in 2026
1. Memories
Launching in early 2026, Memories will automatically create curated stories based on people, places, and important moments. This is the first time Google Photos Memories will appear on a TV.
Samsung will have a limited exclusivity window of around six months for this feature.
2. Create With AI
Later in 2026, Samsung TVs will support creative tools powered by Google DeepMind Nano Banana, part of the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model.
- Themed templates for posters and collages
- Remix effects that apply artistic styles
- Photo to Video conversion for short clips
Some AI templates and effects will remain exclusive to Samsung TVs.
3. Personalized Results
In the second half of 2026, users will be able to search photos using themes like travel, beach, or events. The TV can automatically group and play slideshows without manual sorting.
How This Changes Everyday TV Use
Samsung wants the TV to become a shared storytelling device. Instead of everyone scrolling through photos on their phones, families can relive trips and memories together on a big screen.
You still stay in control. Google Photos settings let you decide which memories appear and which stay hidden.
Supported Models and Rollout Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Memories | March 2026 | Samsung AI TVs first |
| Create With AI | Mid 2026 | Phased global rollout |
| Personalized Results | Late 2026 | Theme-based photo discovery |
The integration starts with select 2026 Samsung TVs, including Crystal UHD U8000 series and above in some regions. Older models may receive limited support through software updates.
Requirements and Limitations
- Google account with backed-up photos
- Internet connection
- Supported TV model and region
Availability and AI features may vary by country and TV lineup.
FAQs
Will Google Photos work on older Samsung TVs?
Some older models may receive the app via updates, but features will vary.
Is this feature free?
Yes, it uses your existing Google Photos account with no extra subscription.
Can multiple Google accounts be used?
No, only one Google Photos account can be logged in per TV.
