Samsung Sky Portal flies over Sydney Harbour, just before sunset

Samsung Electronics Australia premiered its Sky Portal film during a spectacular aerial stunt above Sydney Harbour. During golden hour yesterday, as the sun was just about to set, the Sky Portal screen was lifted high above the harbour to showcase a collaborative film shot entirely with Galaxy S26 devices. Co-created with the people of Sydney and Team Galaxy photographers Benjamin Lee and Tim Northey, the project reimagines the Galaxy S26 series as a window into a more vivid, connected world.

The Sky Portal – an 8m by 2.5m screen weighing over a tonne – was airlifted from a barge at Farm Cove and flown 150m above the Sydney Harbour by a Huey helicopter. Produced in partnership with INVNT, the five-minute film along was followed by a choreographed display of pyrotechnics, visuals, and sound, drew the attention of crowds around the harbour, creating a shared moment for onlookers.

Eric Chou, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Australia said, “Last night’s Sky Portal flight above Sydney Harbour was a defining moment, not just for Samsung, but for everyone who looked up and saw a piece of themselves reflected in the film. We really wanted to show Sydney’s story through the eyes of its people, and seeing those moments, captured with Galaxy, flying above one of the world’s most iconic harbours, was truly breathtaking.”

The film captures a snapshot of 24 hours in Sydney — showing how everyday moments come together to reveal a city full of possibility. After receiving thousands of user-generated content submissions from the public, the film features curated footage from across the city including iconic beaches, suburban shots, and urban city landscapes through the lens of local Sydneysiders.

For film co-creators Benjamin Lee and Tim Northey, the project also demonstrated the incredible capabilities of Samsung’s latest flagship device.

“We’ve come a long way with technology where an S26 Ultra in my pocket is powerful enough to capture high quality cinematic moments on a whim,” said Lee. “Gone are the days of having to carry huge overbearing camera equipment.”

Northey added, “Capturing the best of Sydney with the Galaxy S26 Ultra was such a seamless experience thanks to the quality and versatility of the camera. For a shoot like this, having that level of capability in a device that fits in your pocket gives you the freedom to leave heavier gear behind and just focus on capturing the moment.”

The aerial premiere forms part of Samsung’s broader Sky Portal experience in Sydney.

Extending the experience beyond the skies, Samsung’s Sky Portal Studio is located at First Fleet Park in The Rocks. Developed in partnership with INVNT, the activation invites visitors to step into a series of immersive, curated portals and capture their own moments using the premium camera features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung’s Sky Portal Studio is free to experience during Vivid Sydney from 22 May to 13 June at First Fleet Park. Lights will be on from 6pm to 11pm each night.

The film is now available to view on Samsung Australia’s YouTube channel.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today revealed the start of its End of Financial Year (EOFY) campaign, with a wide array of offers across its new and innovative line up of products on Samsung.com, as well as major partners spanning retailers and carriers.

In recognition of the current environment and pressures, Samsung is committed to a Galaxy for everyone; and for the first time, its industry-leading Galaxy S26 Ultra is available at a reduced price – offers vary across partners, with savings starting at $400. The Galaxy S26 series features an industry-leading camera system with improved Nightography[1] and SuperSteady[2], and a first of its kind Privacy Display[3], giving Australians greater control and peace of mind over their personal information.

Fan favourites across the Samsung Galaxy tablet and foldable ranges will also have tax time deals available on Samsung.com and beyond; as well as the brand-new TV line up, monitors and a range of home appliances. Australians are encouraged to stay tuned for Samsung.com Flash Sales, where a price promise guarantee can be made, as well as trade-in/trade-up options available for mobile or consumer electronics products respectively[4].

Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia said: “We’re committed to bringing cutting-edge mobile products and solutions to Australians, to provide both greater ease and enjoyment to their every day, and now during tax time marks a prime time for Australians to update their tech. There are a wide array of promotions available, including for a short time only, our flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is more accessible to Australians, reinforcing our ethos that we believe in a Galaxy for everyone.”

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in Australia now, with a RRP starting at $2,199[5] ahead of any offer, across retailers, carriers and on Samsung.com. The Galaxy S26 series comes in a range of colours – Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black or White. More unique colour options are also available exclusively at Samsung.com, including Silver Shadow and Pink Gold.

For more information about Galaxy S26 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.

Pricing:

T&Cs including timings apply to above offers. Please check retailer site for details.

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[1] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[2] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[3] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing angle to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing angle. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information. Available for specific apps once they are manually enabled in Settings. Use of screen protectors may impact the performance of the feature and may not be suitable for users with vision or accessibility requirements.

[4] Eligible products and pricing are subject to change. By participating in the Samsung Price Promise, Trade-in or Trade-up programs, you accept the programs’ T&Cs and the Samsung Terms & Conditions of Sale. See Online Trade-Up T&Cs for full details.

• Price Promise: Shop with confidence this EOFY Sale on Samsung.com. If you’ve purchased from us and find an identical product in stock for a better price at an eligible retailer within 14 days, we’ll match it and refund the difference.
• Trade-Up for Consumer Electronics: Recycle and save on your new TV, appliance or monitor with Trade-Up. Any brand, any condition.
• Trade-In for Mobile Experience: Save more with Trade-in: Trade-in your old, damaged phone, watch or tablet and save on your new Galaxy.

[5] Current RRP $2,199 (256GB), $2,499 (512GB) and $2,949 (1TB)

Samsung Sky Portal Studio at Vivid Sydney, located at First Fleet Park in The Rocks

Samsung Electronics Australia returns as a Major Partner of Vivid Sydney, this year bringing to life its interactive Sky Portal Studio activation. Located in First Fleet Park in The Rocks, this unmissable, three-portal installation offers visitors a glimpse into a version of the world that is more vivid, more connected, and more alive than the one you see with your eyes alone.

The experiential activation is designed for high impact, and invites festivalgoers to step inside a moment unlike any other. Guests will discover a series of curated Sky Portal frames that encourages them to capture moments of creativity, movement, joy, connection and curiosity with the extraordinary camera capabilities of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO, said of this year’s installation: “Samsung is an important partner of Vivid Sydney, and we value their ongoing commitment to innovation and evolving how audiences engage with the festival. What excites me most about Sky Portal Studio is how it invites festivalgoers to move from spectators into creators – capturing and expressing their own unique perspective of the world around them.”

Eric Chou, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Australia said: “We’re excited to be back at Vivid Sydney. It’s the intersection of art and technology where Samsung truly comes alive, and this year’s actiavation exemplifies that. The Sky Portal Studio is an unmissable installation that invites every visitor to view the world differently, and to capture their vision through the lens of Galaxy S26 Ultra.”

Starting Friday 22 May at 6pm, Sky Portal Studio visitors will be guided through an interactive, multi-portal experience.

• Defy Gravity Portal: Attendees will be able to capture steady, gravity defying content against a customisable colourful LED background, and spin the wheel for a unique visual effect. Horizontal lock[1] helps keeps the footage super steady, thanks to Galaxy S26 Ultra’s gyroscope and accelerometer, allowing users to capture level, stabilised content.
• Unleash your Creativity Portal: The second portal offers people the chance to curate their own dream image. With Photo Assist[2], a blank canvas becomes whatever you can imagine, whether it’s changing outfits or locations, or adding, removing or resizing objects.
• Infinite Possibilities Portal: Guests can effortlessly take photos of themselves with a wave of their hand using Galaxy’s hands-free Palm Selfie feature.

The final stop in this immersive experience is the Creative Studio, where participants will be able to further edit the content they have captured in the portals to create or edit their ideal images.

Until 10 June, Sydneysiders (and visitors) will also have the opportunity to enter[3] to be part of a collaborative film capturing 24 hours in Sydney through the eyes of its people, turning everyday moments into a city-scale spectacle. Each moment is a small perspective, but together, they real something bigger – a city full of possibility and the extraordinary in the everyday.

Cinematic or still content must be shot on a Galaxy device, and visitors to the Sky Portal Studio will be encouraged to submit their content. Each entry submitted comes with the chance to win 1 of 3 Samsung gift packs valued at over $3,200, which includes a 32” The Frame Art TV, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Galaxy Buds4. Visit https://sydneywithgalaxy.com/ for more information including full T&Cs.

Samsung’s Sky Portal Studio is free to experience during Vivid Sydney from 22 May to 13 June at First Fleet Park. Lights will be on from 6pm to 11pm each night.

About Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney, one of the world’s leading multi-artform festivals, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. In 2026, the festival will bring the city to life, both night and day for the first time, inspiring global audiences and driving cultural exchange. From 22 May to 13 June, the festival’s pillars of Light, Music, Minds and Food will create shared experiences, attract domestic and international visitors, and support the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy’s target of a $91 billion visitor economy by 2035. Proudly owned and managed by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW’s cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.

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[1] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[2] Samsung Account may be required to use certain AI Photo Assist features. Edit Suggestion is compatible with JPG, PNG. GIF and MP4 formats. Edit results may vary depending on the photography or filming condition. Images generated by the Live Effect feature will be saved in MP4 format. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. Editing with Portrait Studio results in a resized photo up to 9MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[3] Competition T&Cs and apply. Visit https://sydneywithgalaxy.com/ for more information.

In response, Samsung asked a simple question — can anyone create Hollywood-style videos on a Galaxy mobile phone? The answer is the Cinematic Look-Up Table (Cine LUT) feature on the Galaxy S26 series. While the APV codec provides the foundation for cinema-quality video, Cine LUT brings a distinct colour style to the footage.

Cine LUT makes professional-level colour grading — once reserved for experts — accessible to anyone. Samsung collaborated with internal teams and external specialists to bring the feature to life. The Mobile eXperience (MX) Business led final camera implementation, Samsung Research developed core video processing technologies and U5K Imageworks — a colourist studio behind globally recognised productions — helped shape its visual aesthetic.

Following the introduction of the APV codec, which delivers a visually lossless level of image quality, Samsung Newsroom spoke with three key developers behind Cine LUT — Sugon Baek of the Camera Image Quality R&D Group at the MX Business, Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks — to hear the story of its creation.

▲ (From left) Taesik Eom, Bomi Kim and Sugon Baek

1. What is a LUT? What sets Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series apart?

Baek: A LUT is essentially a “map” that transforms one set of colours into a desired look. Unlike conventional filters that simply overlay colour, Cine LUT reinterprets Samsung Log[1] footage to deliver the depth and look of professional filmmaking.

Kim: It’s optimised for Log video. By leveraging its wide gradation,[2] the feature precisely reconstructs colour and brightness to preserve subtle tonal details often lost with conventional filters for richer, more natural depth.

▲ Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Thriller LUT and Blockbuster LUT

▲ Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Coming-of-age LUT and Romance LUT

1. What led to the development of Cine LUT?

Kim: While Galaxy devices supported Log video for high-quality capture, colour grading remained challenging for users. We aimed to make professional-looking results accessible without advanced editing skills.

Baek: We wanted to create an experience that lets users preview cinematic footage at the moment of capture, then apply a LUT and share the video with a single tap in the Gallery.

▲ (From left) Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Sugon Baek of the Camera Image Quality R&D Group at MX Business

1. How did the collaboration with U5K Imageworks begin? How was Cine LUT developed?

Eom: Our collaboration began two years ago with Rec. 709 LUT advisory work for Samsung Log video, where we refined strong colours into more natural tones — an experience that led to Cine LUT. For this project, we developed multiple versions across three intensity levels — neutral, soft and strong — and tested them in diverse scenes, ultimately selecting four core styles.

Kim: Building on U5K’s colour direction, we validated the concepts against quantitative criteria to ensure consistent performance in different environments, refining them through testing until creative intent and technical quality aligned.

▲ Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks

1. What challenges did you face during development?

Kim: We needed a large dataset to validate performance across diverse conditions. Testing in real-world environments — from natural and indoor lighting to day and night — and close collaboration were key to capturing the nuances of colour.

Baek: Maintaining consistent, undistorted colour in different environments was challenging. Through continuous testing, we developed a LUT that balances subjective preference with objective quality.

1. What was the key consideration in creating looks optimised for mobile phones?

Eom: Ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions was key. Since lighting, exposure and white balance constantly vary, we focused on creating looks that remain natural in any situation.

Kim: Quality was our top priority. We analysed each frame and validated performance using tools like colour charts, grey balance and vector scopes.

1. Why were these four styles chosen for the Galaxy S26 series?

Baek: We analysed the visual language of popular film genres and identified four representative styles. From the high-contrast Blockbuster to the fresh Coming-of-age, warm Romance and moody Thriller, each colour palette was designed to give everyday scenes an instant cinematic look.

▲ Users can preview Cine LUTs when shooting in Log and easily apply them to recorded footage using editing tools.

1. Which Cine LUT styles do you recommend for different situations?

Eom: There’s no fixed answer — it depends on the situation. Blockbuster suits high-contrast environments like outdoor and urban scenes; Coming-of-age fits soft, trendy settings like cafes or vlogs; Romance adds warmth to character-driven scenes; and Thriller creates a more striking impression.

1. What stood out to you in user feedback?

Baek: We expected it might be seen as just another video effect, but the response exceeded expectations. Users quickly recognised that combining Log shooting with Cine LUTs expands creative possibilities beyond simple filters. We’re also seeing more users choose styles based on the scene, with high-quality videos widely shared on social media — and even inspiring new ways to create content.

1. What are your plans for the future?

Baek: We aim to further establish the Galaxy S26 series as a professional-grade camera. We hope to see more content that resonates with both creators and viewers and will continue to set new standards in video creation.

Kim: As the world changes rapidly, our goal is to identify next-generation technologies. Through close collaboration with business divisions, we will work to bring them into products and deliver innovative experiences to users around the world.

▲ Baek, Eom and Kim watch a video with Cine LUT applied.

Born from close collaboration, Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series transforms everyday moments into cinematic visuals. Beyond its technical achievements, the feature marks an important step toward making video creation more accessible — lowering barriers once reserved for professionals and enabling anyone to express themselves.

Heesub Han, a commercial and documentary director, shot a series of short films on Galaxy S26 Ultra using the APV codec and Samsung Log. Explore the videos below to discover the possibilities of Cine LUT through the making-of and short films.

[1] A technique that uses a logarithmic curve to expand detail in darker areas. While camera sensors capture brightness uniformly, the human eye is more sensitive to changes in shadows. Log helps footage better reflect natural perception.

[2] The smoothness and precision of tonal transitions in an image — how it shifts between light and dark.

[i] Results may vary depending on lighting and shooting conditions.

Samsung is expanding the One UI 8.5 rollout to more devices, bringing the latest Galaxy AI[1] features across the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.[2] The update focuses on enhancing communication and creative experiences on Galaxy mobile phones and tablets, including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Tab S11 series and Galaxy Tab S10 series.

One UI 8.5 will begin rolling out in Korea starting May 6,[3] with additional regions to follow.

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[1] Galaxy AI features are currently free of charge, with any specific plans for premium AI services to be decided in close coordination with our partners. There are currently no plans to charge for Galaxy AI features, however different terms may apply to other AI features provided by third parties. Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features.

[2] Features may vary depending on model and service region.

[3] Availability and timing may vary by market and model.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: (L-R) Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci and Anne Hathaway attend the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Lincoln Center in New York, New York on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios)

Today Samsung launched a global collaboration to celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2, with a custom spot that features Helen J. Shen as her character ‘Jin’, flawlessly fixing a last-minute Miranda Priestly request using Circle to Search with Google on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra.

As part of the global team-up, the Galaxy S26 Ultra shined during its red-carpet moment at The Devil Wears Prada 2 World Premiere. In an activation that would leave even Miranda Priestly proud, Galaxy S26 Ultra was used to capture the stunning red carpet looks of attendees, making it the first-ever Runway Cam #withGalaxy that delivered jaw dropping professional-grade footage with a cinematic, social post-ready feel.

Stars like Helen J. Shen, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Heidi Klum, Paige DeSorbo, Hannah Berner, and Winnie Harlow posed for the S26 Ultra photo-op to capture their memorable looks.

S26 Ultra user and influencer Haley Kalil (@hayleebaylee) participated in the photo experience.

“I’m a huge fan of The Devil Wears Prada and as a Team Galaxy member, I just love my Galaxy S26 Ultra,” said Haley. “Seeing those worlds collide here posed for the S26 Ultra photo-op to capture their memorable looks.

S26 Ultra user and influencer Haley Kalil (@hayleebaylee) participated in the photo experience.

“I’m a huge fan of The Devil Wears Prada and as a Team Galaxy member, I just love my Galaxy S26 Ultra,” said Haley. “Seeing those worlds collide here on the red carpet, and sharing all my favorite Galaxy S26 series features with fans has just been the best experience.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Haley Kalil attends the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Lincoln Center in New York, New York on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios )

Haley also took to social media to showcase how she used her Galaxy S26 Ultra features such as Circle to Search with Google to get ready for the premiere.

Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy S26 Ultra is Runway ready[1]

Samsung and Google partnered on a series of creative spots set in The Devil Wears Prada 2 universe to shine a light on how technology – like Circle to Search with Google on S26 Ultra – is the cheat code for staying calm in high-stakes situations.

Want to see if the Galaxy S26 series is the right fit for you? Visit Samsung.com and get ready for The Devil Wears Prada 2, in theatres April 30.

About The Devil Wears Prada 2

Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film is directed by David Frankel, written by Aline Brosh McKenna, produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and Aline Brosh McKenna.

[1] Circle to Search is a trademark of Google LLC. Requires internet connection. Mobile data fees may apply. Circle to Search feature must be enabled. May not work on all visual or audio elements. Users may need to update Android or Google app to the latest version. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off. Google SafeSearch filter applies. Not available on apps that prohibit screen capturing. Please refer to the following webpage to find Google’s Circle to Search supported languages: https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/16011537?visit_id=638863890792571848-2380469398&p=aimode&rd=1#zippy=%2Csupported-countries-territories%2Csupported-languages

Now, with the Galaxy S26 series,[2] it has reached new heights by supporting real-time audio control on content streamed across various platforms. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into these advancements.

From Fix it Later to Filter it Now

Starting with the Galaxy S26 series, Audio Eraser has evolved into a live audio experience. It enables real-time sound separation and optimisation across voices, music and background noise, not only for recorded content but also for over-the-top (OTT) or social media content you are watching. This advancement shifts the focus from post-recording edits to real-time audio management.

By integrating an AI sound engine with advanced sound separation technology, the Galaxy S26 series allows you to instantly adjust and control sound as it occurs. This ensures a clear, immersive listening experience across various streaming platforms by effectively neutralising distracting background noise.

The video below shows how the Galaxy S26 series keeps the sounds you want to hear clear, even in noisy environments.

▲Comparison of interview audio before and after using Audio Eraser on the Galaxy S26 series.

Seamless Access, Total Control

You can easily adjust noise and reduce distractions directly from the Quick panel without needing to rewind or replay content. While the video is playing, simply swipe down from the top right of the screen and tap the Audio Eraser icon to start filtering the sound right away.

Once activated, the feature offers advanced controls for a more professional touch. You can adjust the “Strength” slider to fine-tune noise reduction and enable “Voice Focus” to hear clear dialogue in the video.

With the Galaxy S26 series, you can enjoy tailored sound quality in real-time, regardless of the content you’re watching.

▲ Access Audio Eraser via the Quick panel on the Galaxy S26 series, with controls to adjust “Strength” and enable “Voice focus.”[3]

Audio Eraser is no longer limited to reducing noise. It now allows you to easily design your sound in real time. Enjoy the more personalised and comfortable listening experience with the Galaxy S26 series.

[1] Audio Eraser supports adjusting noise from media playing through the Quick panel for select apps on the Galaxy S26 series. The level of support depends on the model and OS version. Results may vary by video depending on how sounds are present. Samsung Account login is required. Certain types of sound, such as voices, music and noise, can be detected. Actual sound detection may vary depending on the audio source and video conditions. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[2] The Galaxy S26 series includes Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra.

[3] Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI and sequence may be different.

Innovation is often measured by what we can see – larger screens, thinner frames, or more vibrant displays. However, the most profound shifts occur when the technology itself begins to disappear.

We are stepping into an era where technology should feel like an extension of intent rather than a tool we must learn and manage. In short, we are moving away from digital complexity towards everyday convenience.

For over a decade, the smartphone experience has been defined by touch-based navigation. People all over the world have become accustomed to tapping on screens and managing fragmented applications to complete simple tasks. For this era to close, mobile experiences must become more proactive and adaptive, understanding context and providing assistance the moment it is needed.

With the all-new Galaxy S26 series, the next chapter begins here. The path forward is not about adding more apps, but instead about creating an invisible architecture that enables easier daily living.

SEAO is Primed for an AI Revolution

Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) represents one of the most dynamic, mobile-first digital economies in the world. Google’s recent e-Conomy SEA 2025 report[1] highlights a powerful base of 200 million new users that have come online over the last decade across Southeast Asia. With three in five people now shopping online, and over 60% of all payments being made digitally, the region’s digital fluency has driven a surge in interest towards artificial intelligence (AI), at three times the global average.

This momentum is equally profound across Oceania, where AI has moved rapidly from a concept to a core business driver. In New Zealand, a significant 91% of businesses report efficiency improvements from AI, with half also citing positive financial impact[2]. Australian businesses are mirroring this shift as well; with 40% of SMEs currently adopting AI[3] and agreeing that AI offers a competitive edge and compelling use cases that can transform their operations.

The launch of the Galaxy S24 series two years ago marked the transition from smartphone to a new era of AI phones. Today, for the millions across the diverse SEAO region — from hyper-connected urban hubs to rapidly developing tech frontiers — the phone has become more than a tool, and instead the primary platform for navigating life.

As our region accelerates its adoption of AI, true advancement is achieved when everyday use is powered by seamless anticipation of needs. For instance, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge[4] provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief[5] surfaces timely reminders for important events. The reliable delivery of these experiences requires a foundation of customised hardware, such as the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5[6], which is designed for high-speed on-device performance on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Sitting quietly beneath the interface, this hardware orchestrates how intelligence understands context to enable intuitive workflows.

The Power of Open Intelligence

To harness these advancements without forcing people to learn entirely new interfaces, technology demands a deeply integrated approach. We understand that customers prefer having a choice in the tools they use, so Galaxy S26 Ultra also comes with a choice of agents[7] to help users complete tasks more easily with a single button press or voice prompt. As we see it, the future lies in an open ecosystem of AI-powered features that users can embrace with confidence—knowing their personal data is secure while enjoying the benefits of a multi-agent experience that is backed by Samsung’s commitment to collaborative protection.

Crucially, this AI transformation cannot be reserved for a select few. We are committed to the democratisation of mobile AI, targeting an expansion to over 800 million users globally in 2026. True progress is only achieved when advanced capabilities reach the masses, ensuring broad availability to all.

Trust as the Foundation

With increased power comes a heightened need for trust. As both consumers and organisations scale their AI usage, a multi-agent approach must be built on the principle that access to personal information is strictly limited to the specific task at hand. AI experiences on Galaxy are protected at every level, with personalisation, transparency, and user choice guiding every step.

Security is not merely a feature, but a foundational element of our AI infrastructure that users can customise through granular privacy settings, opt-in security features, and intuitive dashboards designed to enable true control and transparency. For instance, the Privacy Display[8] on the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new form of personal protection. Integrated directly into the display hardware, it controls how the screen’s pixels disperse light, limiting visibility from side, top, and bottom angles when activated so users can preserve privacy when needed.

Meanwhile, Samsung Knox helps keep personal data protected on the device and is shared only when required. On the Galaxy S26 series, the Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware AI experiences by processing data locally. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts the data of each app. Furthermore, Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection by isolating sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. This system-wide approach combines hardware and software to help keep personal information protected.

By equipping our flagship devices with up to seven generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades[9], along with seven years of security updates, we provide consumers with the confidence that their hardware investments will remain secure over time.

The Blueprint for an Intelligent Future

The diverse and rapidly growing digital economies of the SEAO region have created an ideal environment for AI adoption and growth. The launch of our latest flagship line-up is more than an iterative hardware update; it is the deployment of mobile infrastructure required to meet this moment.

By balancing specialised hardware with a collaborative software philosophy, we are laying the foundation for a future where digital experiences become easier and more intuitive, fundamentally making life better for every user in the region.

[1] Google, Temasek and Bain, e-Conomy SEA 2025

[2] AI in Action: Key Findings from New Zealand’s Third AI Productivity Report – AI Forum

[3] Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC): AI adoption in Australian businesses 2024 Q4.

[4] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts currently available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Based on availability at the time of product launch. May change without notice. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[5] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model and apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. Energy Score requires health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring and is intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Notifications for dog walking require SmartTag2 and Pet Care in SmartThings to be activated. SmartTag2 sold separately. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilise Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. Notifications must be switched on to be used as the recalled data. Recalled data available from supported app notifications, Messages, Gmail and Samsung Wallet and data collected from Gmail is only applicable if the user consents to Personal Data Intelligent’s Gmail read permission. Recalled data for reservation details only available from reservation confirmation messages.

[6] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

[7] Availability may vary by region/country and language.

[8] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing angle to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing angle. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information. Available for specific apps once they are manually enabled in Settings. Use of screen protectors may impact the performance of the feature and may not be suitable for users with vision or accessibility requirements.

[9] Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device model and market

Samsung Electronics Australia today announced the expansion of its Mobile eXperience (MX) channel distribution, making its rugged mobile and tablet range available through Ingram Micro Australia. The announcement builds on the long-standing relationship between Samsung’s Display business and Ingram Micro, and reflects the rapid growth and diversification of Samsung’s local B2B operations.

The expanded relationship enables Samsung to scale its presence across enterprise, government, field services, logistics, transport, and other rugged dependent verticals. It also opens greater access to system integrators and solution bundling partners who play a critical role in deploying rugged mobility in complex operational environments.

“We are experiencing an increased appetite for rugged devices, and as this demand continues to expand across Australian industries, strengthening our distribution ecosystem is critical,” said Shawn Kwon, Vice President, Integrated B2B at Samsung Electronics Australia.

“By collaborating with Ingram Micro Australia, we are growing our network to provide greater customer choice, and ensure our solutions reach more businesses – spanning a wide array of frontline sectors, from retail through to healthcare – that rely on rugged devices to support these teams. With the infrastructure and resource boom continuing, we are also gaining strong momentum in construction and mining industries. The collaboration between us and Ingram Micro Australia strengthens Samsung’s overall channel architecture by extending availability through a broader reseller network nationwide. This diversification is designed to help grow the total market, broaden product availability, and increase purchasing choice for customers, all while maintaining continuity for existing partners.”

Mo Kandeel, Director of Consumer, Client & Endpoint at Ingram Micro Australia elaborated, “We’re excited to announce the expansion of our strategic relationship with Samsung, now encompassing full distribution of Samsung’s mX solution portfolio across the Australian channel. This strengthens Ingram Micro Australia’s commitment to delivering best in class mobility, security, and productivity solutions to partners, while enabling Samsung to scale its reach through Ingram Micro Australia’s established distribution, logistics, and enablement capabilities. By combining Samsung’s innovation in mobile devices and enterprise mobility with our Australian channel expertise, together we are positioned to unlock new growth opportunities across commercial, government, education, and emerging vertical markets.”

The expansion will enable channel partners to design and deliver standalone products or end‑to‑end solutions – spanning hardware, software and cloud services – more easily and effectively.

Samsung’s rugged portfolio includes smartphones and tablets designed for various work environments, featuring IP68 ratings and MILSTD810H for performance, and protected by Samsung Knox built-in security. The partnership with Ingram Micro aims to make these solutions more accessible to organisations seeking high-performance, secure and reliable devices for frontline teams.

BTS and ARMY have built a cultural movement that brings everyone together to celebrate self-expression and connection through music. This resulted in a global impact that fosters authentic shared experiences — values that resonate deeply with Samsung’s Galaxy brand philosophy. By harnessing the power of music and technology, Samsung and the ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’’ are empowering people to capture special moments and share them with the world.

“Samsung believes that technology enriches everyday experiences,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP and Head of the Mobile Marketing Center, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through this collaboration, Galaxy will serve as a bridge connecting artists and the audience, enabling people to experience concert moments more meaningfully and preserve and share those memories for longer.”

Building on Galaxy’s vision of meaningful, connected experiences, Samsung is reimagining the traditional concert viewing experience by enabling the audience to emotionally engage with artists and their performances in more immersive ways. In particular, the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera captures memorable moments from live performances, allowing the audience around the world to relive and share the experience, bringing the energy and emotion of the concert into their everyday lives.

“Fans are at the heart of everything we do, shaping our music and journey together with us,” said Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE. “Through this partnership with Samsung Electronics, we hope fans can experience concerts more vividly and create lasting memories.”

‘BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’’ will begin in Goyang, South Korea, and continue in major cities around the world through 2027 including Melbourne and Sydney. As part of the world tour, an exclusive BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL is taking place in Seoul from March 20 to April 19, including a range of Galaxy-powered immersive experiences to major landmarks across the city.

Fans can explore the Galaxy S26 series through interactive activities, including a stamp rally at Samsung’s Gangnam store and creating self-made stickers using the Galaxy AI-powered Creative Studio. Participants who complete the activities are eligible to receive prizes, including limited-edition ‘BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL’ merchandise.

Samsung will take part in the entire ’BTS THE CITY’ journey, driving innovation that encourages fans to express themselves, capture meaningful moments and expand everyday experiences with Galaxy.