Samsung has started delivering on their promise to bring new AI features to Galaxy users, with notifications about an impending update being received by owners of the Galaxy S23. The One UI 6.1 update, which was originally exclusive to the Galaxy S24, now includes a suite of AI tools that enhance user experience. The Korean company had previously announced in February that it would extend these features to older devices in their lineup.

The AI features, including Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and generative image editing, are set to be available only on select Samsung devices released in 2023. This includes the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, the latest Fold and Flip handsets, and the Tab S9 series. However, older devices like the Galaxy S22 range, which are still supported with Android updates and security patches, will not be receiving these new AI features.

Galaxy S23 owners around the world are now receiving notifications about the upcoming update. Users from countries such as Romania, Belgium, and China have reported receiving emails from Samsung, indicating that their devices will be updated to the new One UI 6.1. The exact roll-out date varies depending on the region, with one Chinese user stating that the update will land on March 28th.

It is worth noting that these notifications have so far been limited to Galaxy S23 owners, with no reports of notifications being received by Fold 5, Flip 5, or Tab S9 owners. It remains to be seen when these devices will receive the update.

Samsung's decision to extend these previously exclusive features to older devices may be a strategic move. While the company is currently offering the Galaxy AI features for free, the small print on their website states that this will be the case until at least the end of 2025. This suggests that Samsung may consider charging for these AI tools in the future, as other companies have started to do with their own language models.

The One UI 6.1 update, which has now started rolling out to users, brings all the AI features that were introduced with the Galaxy S24 to the Galaxy S23. Users have reported that these features work seamlessly on their devices. Owners of the Fold 5, in particular, have noticed the benefits of the device's larger display, with features like Circle to Search and generative image editing being more immersive and easier to use.

In addition to the AI features, the One UI 6.1 update also includes several other enhancements. Improved UI animations, new battery protection features, and a new "single take" feature in the camera app are among the hidden gems that users can look forward to experiencing.

As the roll-out continues, Samsung users can expect to receive these updates and explore the new features that the company has prepared for them. Whether Samsung will decide to charge for these AI tools in 2025 remains to be seen, but it is likely that more features will be introduced before then to make a subscription more appealing.

Update March 27th: The One UI 6.1 update has now reached some users, including technology website SamMobile, which had early access to the software update. Testing it on the Galaxy Z Fold 5, SamMobile found that all the AI features from the Galaxy S24 have successfully made their way to the foldable phone. The larger inner screen of the Fold enhances the usability of features such as Circle to Search and generative picture editing. Additionally, other improvements, such as smoother UI animations and battery protection features, are also included in the update. Further details of the update will be explored as it continues to be rolled out.