# **Samsung’s One UI 7 and the Limitations of AI: Repeating the Challenges of Galaxy AI’s Launch**
Samsung has established itself as a leader in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its smartphone lineup, with One UI 7 being the newest version to include sophisticated AI-driven functionalities. Nevertheless, similar to the Galaxy AI rollout in One UI 6.1, numerous older Samsung models are poised to lack essential AI features due to hardware constraints. This scenario has ignited conversations regarding the prospects of AI within Samsung’s ecosystem and the difficulty of harmonizing innovation with device compatibility.
## **AI Features in One UI 7: A Dependence on Hardware**
In a recent interview, Samsung’s Executive Vice President and Head of Framework R&D, Sally, discussed the AI features of One UI 7, which launched with the Galaxy S25 series. The conversation underscored a crucial element of Samsung’s AI approach—its dependence on robust hardware.
One standout AI feature in One UI 7 is the **personal data engine**, a system crafted to boost AI personalization while safeguarding user data. However, this capability demands considerable processing power from the device, which is exclusively available on the **Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy** chipset embedded in the latest flagship smartphones.
Sally remarked that **”advanced hardware and chipsets like those found in the Galaxy S25 Series”** are essential for providing a **”richer on-device AI experience.”** Consequently, older and more budget-friendly Samsung devices will be unable to tap into the full capabilities of One UI 7’s AI features.
## **A Recognizable Trend: Parallels with Galaxy AI’s Introduction in One UI 6.1**
The current landscape with One UI 7 reflects the circumstances encountered with **Galaxy AI** at its unveiling in One UI 6.1. During that period, Samsung’s AI features were mainly tailored for the **Galaxy S24 series**, leaving older devices with restricted access to AI functionalities.
For example, models such as the **Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Flip 3, and Galaxy Z Fold 3** could only access **two Galaxy AI features**, as their aging systems weren’t equipped to handle more complex AI tasks. This selective deployment disappointed many Samsung users eager for a more expansive AI offering.
In a similar vein, with One UI 7, Samsung has acknowledged that **numerous older-generation devices will not gain access to the complete range of AI features**. While specific devices have not been named, it’s evident that only flagship models featuring **high-end chipsets** will fully leverage the newly introduced AI functionalities.
## **Which Features Could Be Inaccessible for Older Models?**
While Samsung has yet to disclose an exhaustive list of features that will be unavailable, the **personal data engine** stands out as a crucial AI component likely absent on older devices. This engine is integral to **on-device AI processing**, ensuring that user information remains private while fostering a more tailored AI experience.
Moreover, other AI-enhanced features, like the **Now Bar/Now Brief**, which organizes app activities to assist users in planning their day, could also be influenced by hardware limitations. Samsung characterizes the Now Bar as an **”insightful experience”** that deeply integrates with frequently used applications, yet its dependence on AI processing may render it inaccessible for older models.
## **The Path Ahead: AI’s Role in Samsung Devices**
Samsung’s strategy for AI integration underscores a rising trend in the smartphone arena—**AI functionalities increasingly depend on high-performance hardware**. While this guarantees that flagship devices can provide cutting-edge experiences, it simultaneously raises concerns about **planned obsolescence** and the durability of older smartphones.
For users with previous-generation Samsung devices, this implies that although they may still receive **basic software updates**, they are likely to miss the most advanced AI-powered enhancements. This situation could prompt more consumers to contemplate upgrading their devices sooner than anticipated, particularly if AI becomes a fundamental part of Samsung’s ecosystem.
## **Conclusion: Navigating Innovation and Accessibility**
One UI 7 introduces exhilarating AI advancements; however, its reliance on high-end hardware means numerous older devices will not be able to realize its full capabilities. This scenario evokes memories of the **Galaxy AI rollout in One UI 6.1**, where a limited number of devices were granted access to advanced features.
As AI technology continues to advance, Samsung must address the challenge of striking a balance between **innovation and accessibility**. While users of flagship models will savor the latest AI offerings, those with older devices may feel excluded. Looking ahead, it will be vital for Samsung to explore methods to **enhance AI features for a broader spectrum of devices**, allowing more users to benefit from its technological innovations.
At present, Samsung users anticipating One UI 7 should stay alert for official updates to determine which features will be accessible on their devices. As the rollout unfolds, it will become increasingly clear how Samsung intends to manage the convergence of AI,
