As the smartphone industry enters the second half of 2024, the race for dominance in the AI smartphone market intensifies among tech giants Apple, Samsung, and Google. While each company has its own approach, the competition is fierce.
Google, with its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets, was the first to launch an AI-powered smartphone in October 2023. However, these devices have not been able to match the market share of Apple or Samsung. Nevertheless, Google’s focus on AI has played a crucial role in revolutionizing the smartphone industry and shaping the conversation around the capabilities of a smartphone. With the upcoming launch of the Pixel 9 series in August, Google aims to further enhance its AI capabilities and stay at the forefront of AI development and adoption.
Samsung, on the other hand, has taken the lead in AI smartphone sales with its Galaxy S24 family, which was launched alongside Galaxy AI in January 2024. The South Korean company has strategically brought forward the launch of its devices, ensuring it stays ahead of the competition. Samsung’s upcoming releases, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, will continue to showcase the success of Galaxy AI and introduce the next generation of AI technology. Samsung’s early moves in the second half of the year give it an advantage over Google.
Apple, despite its strong position in the smartphone market, has lagged behind in the AI race. While AI and machine learning have been present in iOS for years, the focus on generative AI and large language modules has eluded the iPhone. Apple only recently confirmed its AI plans at the Worldwide Developer Conference, with some features expected to arrive on the iPhone 16 family in September. However, the majority of the announced software will not be available until the first quarter of 2025, leaving Apple more than a year behind its competitors.
While Google can shape the direction of Android and benefit from it, Samsung holds a numerical lead and is making proactive moves in the second half of the year. Apple, with its captive audience, has the advantage of customer loyalty but is playing catch-up in terms of AI capabilities. Ultimately, the competition among these tech giants will benefit the public, as innovation drives the industry forward. It may take years to determine which manufacturer made the right calls in the AI smartphone market.