Samsung is preparing to take the smart TV experience to the next level. Starting in 2026, Samsung will officially introduce a native Google Photos app on its AI-powered smart TVs, marking a major shift in how users view and interact with their personal memories on the big screen.
This announcement comes ahead of CES 2026, where Samsung is expected to showcase its next-generation TV lineup and AI innovations. The integration of Google Photos will allow users to enjoy their photos and memories in a more immersive way, optimized for large displays and powered by artificial intelligence.
- Read More:- Apple iOS 26.3 Release Date: Next Major iPhone Update Coming Soon – Here’s Everything We Know
Let’s take a deep look at what this update means, which features will be available at launch, what’s coming later, and why this partnership between Samsung and Google is a big deal for the smart TV ecosystem.
Google Photos Finally Gets a Native TV App—Starting with Samsung
Surprisingly, Google Photos has never had a fully functional native app for TVs, not even on Google’s own platforms like Android TV or Google TV. Until now, users have relied on workarounds such as casting from smartphones or using limited photo viewer apps.
Samsung is set to change that.
Beginning March 2026, eligible Samsung AI TVs will start receiving native Google Photos support, making Samsung the first TV brand to offer a fully integrated Google Photos experience. Even more importantly, this feature will be exclusive to Samsung TVs for the first six months, giving the company a strong competitive edge in the smart TV market.
Google Photos Features Available at Launch on Samsung TVs
At launch, the Google Photos app on Samsung TVs will focus on one core feature: Memories.
1. Google Photos Memories on Samsung TVs
The Memories feature automatically highlights your best photos and videos in curated collections. These collections are intelligently organized based on:
- People
- Places
- Trips and vacations
- Special occasions
- Everyday moments
When viewed on a large Samsung TV screen, these memories become more immersive, making them perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or casual viewing at home.
⚠️ Note: The Memories feature must be manually enabled in Google Photos settings for it to appear on your TV.
At this stage, the app will not support full photo browsing or advanced editing, but Samsung has already confirmed major upgrades coming later in 2026.
Vision AI Integration: The Real Game Changer
Later in 2026, Samsung plans to deeply integrate Google Photos with its Vision AI platform, which is Samsung’s suite of AI-powered TV features.
This integration will allow Google Photos content to surface automatically in:
- Samsung Daily+
- Samsung Daily Board
- Ambient display modes on 2026 TV models
For example, your TV may automatically show travel photos, family moments, or themed slideshows when the TV is idle, turning your living room screen into a dynamic digital memory hub.
Simple Setup with Google Account Login
Samsung has emphasized that the setup process will be extremely simple and user-friendly. To activate Google Photos on Samsung TVs:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Samsung TV
- Sign in using your Google Account
- Enable Memories (if not already enabled)
- Your photos will start appearing automatically in supported areas
No complicated pairing or device linking is required, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users.
Advanced AI Features Coming in the Second Half of 2026
Samsung and Google have confirmed two major feature upgrades planned for the second half of 2026, which will significantly expand the Google Photos experience on TVs.
2. Create with AI (Powered by Nano Banana)
One of the most exciting additions is Create with AI, powered by Google’s creative AI technology, including Nano Banana.
This feature will allow users to:
- Apply themed AI templates to photos
- Create fun and playful transformations
- Use Remix to change the artistic style of an image
- Convert photos into artistic visuals suitable for large displays
These AI-powered effects will make Google Photos more interactive and entertaining, especially when viewed on premium Samsung TVs.
3. Photo to Video: Turn Still Images into Motion
Another standout feature is Photo to Video, which uses AI to transform still photos into short animated videos.
This feature is ideal for:
- Travel highlights
- Family memories
- Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries
On a large TV screen, these AI-generated videos will feel more cinematic and engaging compared to viewing them on a phone.
4. Personalized Results and Smart Slideshows
Samsung will also introduce Personalized Results, an AI-driven slideshow feature that automatically curates photos based on:
- Location (Paris, beaches, mountains)
- Activities (hiking, ocean, festivals)
- Topics and interests
This means your TV can automatically display relevant slideshows without manual selection, offering a more personalized and intelligent viewing experience.
Samsung’s 2026 Audio Lineup Also Announced
Ahead of CES 2026, Samsung also revealed details about its 2026 audio product lineup, which complements its new TV features.
The lineup includes:
- Two flagship soundbars designed for immersive home theater experiences
- Two new Music Studio Wi-Fi speakers focused on premium sound quality and seamless connectivity
These audio devices are expected to integrate smoothly with Samsung’s AI TVs, further enhancing the overall entertainment ecosystem.
Why This Update Matters for Smart TV Users
The arrival of a native Google Photos app on Samsung TVs is more than just a feature update—it represents a shift toward more personal, AI-driven smart TV experiences.
Key Benefits for Users:
- No need for casting or external devices
- Seamless Google Photos integration
- AI-powered creativity and personalization
- Better use of large-screen displays
- Enhanced family and social viewing experiences
With exclusive access for six months, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in AI-powered smart TV innovation.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s decision to bring Google Photos natively to its AI TVs in 2026 is a major milestone for both companies. Starting with the Memories feature and expanding into advanced AI tools like Nano Banana, Photo to Video, and Personalized Results, this update promises to redefine how users interact with their personal content on TVs.
If you’re planning to buy a new smart TV in 2026 or already own a Samsung AI TV, this upcoming update could be a compelling reason to stay within Samsung’s ecosystem.
As CES 2026 approaches, more details are expected—but one thing is clear: Samsung TVs are about to become more personal, more intelligent, and more immersive than ever before.
