In a recent community announcement, Samsung revealed its intention to bring Galaxy AI capabilities to select models from 2021 and 2022 with the deployment of the One UI 6.1 update. While this expansion promises to introduce several AI tools to these devices, certain functionalities will remain exclusive due to hardware constraints.

Key Takeaways

• Samsung has announced plans to expand Galaxy AI features to more of its previous-generation devices with the One UI 6.1 update scheduled for early May.
• The update will equip the Galaxy S22, Flip 4, Fold 4, and Tab S8 series with all Galaxy AI features, excluding Instant Slow-mo for video capture.
• Due to hardware limitations, the Galaxy S21, Flip 3, and Fold 3 will receive a limited selection of Galaxy AI features, specifically Google’s “Circle to Search” and Chat Assist.
• Instant Slow-Mo will remain unique to the S23 and S24 series.

The Galaxy AI collection encompasses a total of twelve distinct functionalities integrated within Samsung’s software ecosystem, featuring tools like Live Translate, Chat Assist, Generative Edit, Circle to Search, among others. However, it has been revealed that not all features will be available on every device.

The Galaxy S22, Flip 4, Fold 4, and Tab S8 series are set to enjoy a broad spectrum of Galaxy AI features akin to those found on the latest S23 FE model, with the exception of Instant Slow-mo. This follows Samsung’s February omission of the feature for the FE series.

The following devices will have this level of Galaxy AI:

• Galaxy S22
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Tab S8
• Galaxy Tab S8+
• Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Conversely, the Galaxy S21, Flip 3, and Fold 3 will be limited to integrating only two Galaxy AI features, likely due to the devices’ hardware capabilities. Samsung has pinpointed “early May” for the rollout, though a specific date remains unspecified. It is anticipated that the One UI 6.1 update might coincide with Samsung’s routine monthly security updates.

Devices with these AI features include:

• Galaxy S21
• Galaxy S21+
• Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip 3

The confirmation of these updates closely follows Samsung’s announcement of added language support for Galaxy AI, hinting at a broader deployment across additional devices, including the eagerly anticipated Galaxy S22 series. TM Roh, Samsung’s head of mobile, hinted at this expansion in March, noting hardware considerations as a significant factor in determining feature availability.

Recent models, such as the Galaxy S23 series and last year’s Tab S series and 2023’g Galaxy Z foldables, received the One UI 6.1 update by the end of March, introducing features like Live Translate and Generative Edit to supported devices.

As started on March 28, these capabilities will begin making their way to several 2023 Samsung Galaxy models, including the Galaxy S23, Tab S9, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5.

Devices that received the March 2024 One UI 6.1 update with AI features include:

• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Tab S9
• Galaxy Tab S9+
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

This phased rollout indicates Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the user experience across its device portfolio, despite the inherent challenges posed by varying hardware capabilities.

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