Generative AI is making its way to smartphones, with Google and Samsung leading the charge through their latest offerings, such as the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup. The arrival of generative AI on smartphones is expected to impact everyday life, though the specific implications remain somewhat unclear. Experts suggest that generative AI capabilities will soon become standard features for smartphones, likely influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions and potentially triggering a new cycle of device upgrades.
Analysts anticipate a slow start for generative AI smartphones but expect a rapid increase in sales. According to UBS analysts, generative AI smartphones, including those from Apple and other Android brands, are projected to grow from 4% penetration in 2023 to 46% penetration in 2027, reaching 583 million units.
While the exact ways in which generative AI will transform the user experience are not fully detailed, potential applications include enhancing multimedia content creation, enabling fast photo and video editing, improving speech-to-text and translation capabilities, and enhancing gaming experiences. Companies like Samsung and Google are already incorporating powerful generative AI features into their devices, such as advanced photo editing and translation capabilities.
Apple, a major player in the smartphone market, is expected to play a significant role in the integration of generative AI into smartphones. The company’s approach and implementation details will be closely watched, with questions about whether Apple will leverage its voice assistant Siri or opt for a different strategy. Apple’s control over both hardware and software aspects of the iPhone, including its custom-designed chips with neural engine capabilities, positions the company to create a seamless and integrated generative AI experience for users. The implementation of generative AI on smartphones is seen as a potential game-changer, offering users new capabilities and functionalities beyond current device capabilities.