Samsung is set to introduce Google Photos as a native app on its smart TVs from 2026, marking a significant shift in how users view personal photos and videos on the big screen. The move removes the need to cast content from a smartphone or tablet, allowing Samsung TV owners to access their Google Photos libraries directly from their television sets.
For the first time, users will be able to sign in to their Google accounts on Samsung TVs and browse their entire Google Photos collection natively. This includes personal albums, shared libraries and curated collections, all redesigned for large-screen viewing. The integration is intended to deliver a smoother and more immersive experience than traditional casting, enabling families to relive memories directly from the comfort of their living rooms.
At launch, the rollout will focus on Google Photos Memories, a feature that automatically organises photos and videos around people, places and key moments. These highlights will appear as dynamic slideshows, making it easier for users to revisit holidays, celebrations and everyday moments through visually rich storytelling optimised for television displays.
Later in 2026, Samsung plans to expand the experience with AI-powered creative tools within Google Photos on its TVs. These additions will include customisable templates, enhanced editing features and creative options driven by advanced artificial intelligence. Users will be able to remix images, apply intelligent effects and generate themed albums without leaving the TV interface.
The Google Photos integration will also connect with Samsung’s Vision AI Companion, which is designed to surface relevant content throughout the day. Through features such as Daily+ and Daily Board, signed-in users may see personalised photo displays appear at appropriate moments, effectively turning the television into a living digital gallery.
For users, the update brings several practical benefits. Google Photos can be viewed and managed directly on the TV without casting, images and videos are automatically optimised for large screens, and dynamic slideshows enhance immersion. Samsung TVs released in 2026 will receive the feature first, with support for older models expected to follow via software updates.
Until now, displaying Google Photos on televisions has largely depended on casting or third-party solutions. By offering a native app, Samsung is repositioning the smart TV as more than an entertainment device, transforming it into a personal memory hub that blends hardware, cloud services and AI-driven experiences.
The feature is expected to launch in early 2026, with Google Photos Memories available from day one and AI-powered tools arriving later in the year. Samsung is expected to hold initial exclusivity for around six months, after which similar integrations could reach other TV brands.
With this move, Samsung is aiming to make the television a more active part of everyday digital life, extending its role beyond films and shows to include personal content and shared memories.
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