“Wearables are the next big step for Galaxy AI”, says Sally Jeong, executive vice president, Samsung Mobile Business

Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Framework R&D, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics.

At the global launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Galaxy Watch8, artificial intelligence once again took centre stage. From features like Circle to Search to real-time translation, Samsung’s Galaxy AI is expanding fast.

Not only that, Samsung is also ensuring that the foldable phones' get a unique user experience when it comes to AI features. To understand the deeper vision behind these choices, what’s next when it comes to AI and wearables, Moneycontrol spoke with Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Framework R&D, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. Jeong spoke about why Samsung is working with Google to offer some of the AI features on their Galaxy smartphones, what new AI features we will get to see in wearables and more.

Native AI integration is the key

When asked why Samsung chose Google’s Gemini for Galaxy AI features instead of Microsoft’s Copilot and AI features offered by Microsoft, despite their long-term partnership with them, Jeong explained the decision was deeply tied to platform-level integration.

“We work very closely with Google on Android, and a lot of the system-level enhancements—like Circle to Search—need very tight coordination between hardware and software,” said Jeong. “It’s not just about which AI tool is more powerful. It’s about which one can be embedded natively to create seamless experiences.”

Jeong acknowledged Microsoft’s continued presence on Samsung devices and suggested that collaboration with Microsoft in the AI space remains a possibility. “We are not closing the door on other partners. But for Galaxy AI right now, it’s about offering the most native, stable experience across Android,” she added.

“Wearables are the next big step for Galaxy AI”

The Galaxy Watch8 already offers AI-driven wellness features like advanced sleep tracking and heart rate analysis. But users have been wondering if deeper AI features, such as summarising notifications or contextual replies, could be brought to the wearable as well.

Jeong confirmed Samsung is working on it. “Wearables are the next big step for Galaxy AI,” she said. “We are looking at how features that are useful on smartphones—like live translations or summaries—can be adapted for smartwatches in a lightweight, battery-efficient way.”

While she didn’t commit to specific features, Jeong hinted that AI-driven voice assistance and proactive health tips were being tested internally.

“The key is to make the watch more helpful in real-world moments, without overwhelming users with information,” she said.

What’s next

As Galaxy AI becomes central to Samsung’s ecosystem, the partnership with Google is expected to deepen further. But Jeong made it clear that Samsung’s focus remains user-first and open to evolving needs.

“AI is not about one feature or one partner. It’s about enhancing everyday life in ways that feel natural,” she concluded.

With that, the Galaxy Z Fold7, Flip7, and Watch8 aren’t just new devices—they’re Samsung’s latest step in redefining personal tech through AI.