Samsung's Unpacked 2026 Event Introduces Agentic AI and Next-Gen Devices
In a major technological reveal, Samsung hosted its annual Unpacked Event on February 26 AEDT in San Francisco, setting the stage for a new era of 'Agentic AI'. This advanced form of artificial intelligence is designed to act independently, adapting over time to achieve objectives with minimal supervision, effectively serving as a personal assistant that learns from user behaviors to streamline the mobile experience.
Highlights of the S26 Series and Buds4 Range
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 devices represent significant leaps in hardware innovation and AI integration. Eric Chou, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, emphasized that AI is now viewed as essential infrastructure rather than a premium feature, aiming to bridge the gap between potential and real-world application.
The Galaxy S26 Series boasts several upgrades, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor for the S26 Ultra, enhanced camera capabilities for precision in ultra-low light, and improved video features with a 360-degree stabilising function. A standout addition is Samsung's first built-in privacy display, which limits side-angle visibility to protect sensitive information in public spaces. Nathan Rigger, Head of Product at Samsung Electronics Australia, explained that this technology uses private pixels to focus light straight ahead, ensuring privacy during everyday use.
Complementing the S26 Series, the Galaxy Buds4 range offers advancements in sound quality, featuring Hi-Fi audio at 24-bit/96kHz for high resonance and deep pulse. Enhanced adaptive ANC and EQ provide powerful noise cancellation and personalised sound tailored to individual ear shapes and environments. Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables at Samsung Electronics Australia, noted that these features adapt to changing noise conditions, facilitating clear calls and immersive listening experiences.
Security and Trust in the Agentic AI Era
As AI technology proliferates, Samsung addresses consumer concerns about safety and complexity by integrating enhanced security measures and giving users greater control over data shared with Galaxy AI. CU Kim, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics for Southeast Asia and Oceania, highlighted that trust is foundational in a hyper-connected world, with security and privacy central to Samsung's strategy. The 'One Samsung' ecosystem ensures seamless intelligence across devices, protected by Samsung Knox security.
Future Directions for Mobile Technology
Samsung's focus on Agentic AI signals a shift in digital life, moving from device capabilities to proactive assistance for users. The future of mobile experience is poised to emphasize innovation, automation, data transparency, and creativity. The Galaxy S26 Series and Buds4 range are available for pre-order from February 26, with an official launch on March 11, starting at $2,199 for the S26 Series and $299 for the Buds4 Series.
