Samsung went all-in on AI with the release of the Galaxy S24 earlier this year. The device’s AI features are driven by Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI models, leading many to anticipate a Bixby overhaul, especially given the rising popularity of digital assistants like ChatGPT. However, such an update didn’t happen then.

Samsung has now announced that an AI upgrade for Bixby will be rolled out later this year. Following the launches of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung MX CEO TM Roh confirmed to CNBC that an enhanced Bixby, powered by Samsung’s own LLM, will be released. He mentioned, “We’re going to advance Bixby with the application of Gen AI technology.” A few months back, the company introduced its in-house LLM named Samsung Gauss.

CNBC had previously reported on Samsung’s efforts to develop an upgraded version of Bixby, but this is the first official confirmation from the company about its release timeline. TM Roh also stated that Samsung will continue to offer multiple voice assistants on its devices, possibly hinting at the inclusion of Google Gemini.

LLMs and Generative AI models are trained on vast datasets, enabling them to better comprehend natural language and its various subtleties, thus improving their ability to understand user intentions. Generative AI can transform text into images and videos. The upcoming Bixby upgrade aims to significantly enhance its ability to interpret voice commands.

Samsung introduced Bixby in 2017 with capabilities across stock Samsung apps and some third-party applications. However, the company shifted its strategy, aligning more with the approaches of Apple and Google for their voice assistants. With the integration of LLMs and Generative AI, Bixby is poised to become much more useful, though its effectiveness will also depend on its compatibility with various third-party services.

With One UI 7.0, Samsung may unveil the new Bixby later this year and formally introduce it with the Galaxy S25 early the next year.The Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to feature several camera and hardware upgrades, design changes, and a new in-house Exynos chip that promises enhanced power, stability, and efficiency. Introducing the new Bixby with the Galaxy S25 series would be a strategic move.