The Future of Mobile AI: Samsung’s TM Roh Predicts a New Era with AI Agents and Multimodality

Samsung’s mobile division, led by TM Roh, is setting the stage for a revolutionary leap in the mobile artificial intelligence (AI) era. Speaking at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, where the Galaxy S25 series was unveiled, Roh shared his vision of a future where AI agents and multimodal experiences become the norm—without abandoning traditional apps and touch-based interfaces.
AI Agents and Multimodality: The New Standard
During an interview with IndianExpress.com, Roh explained that while multimodal AI agents are set to become a primary interface for smartphones, apps and touch interactions will remain integral to the user experience.
“The user experience has largely been based on the interface of applications and touch on smartphones. However, in the mobile AI era, the main user experience will be based on AI agents and multimodality,” Roh said.
Samsung envisions AI agents capable of handling complex, multistep tasks—like booking tickets or responding to user requests—while requiring minimal human input. For instance, the newly introduced AI Select feature on the Galaxy S25 can analyze what’s on-screen and suggest actions, such as creating GIFs directly from YouTube videos.
The Role of Apps in the AI Era
Despite the push for AI-driven interactions, Samsung firmly believes apps won’t become obsolete. Roh clarified that apps, which have been the foundation of smartphone functionality, will coexist with AI advancements.
While features like voice commands are gaining traction for tasks such as finding driving directions or playing music, apps remain the go-to platform for delivering an optimized experience. However, Samsung’s AI innovations aim to reduce the dependency on apps for routine tasks.
Redefining the Smartphone Experience
The Galaxy S25 series represents a significant leap in AI integration. Samsung has shifted from applying AI to individual apps to introducing AI agents with multimodal capabilities that enhance personalization and simplify everyday interactions.
For example, with AI Select:
- Users can seamlessly multitask without switching apps.
- The tool recognizes text, images, and videos, suggesting intuitive actions in real time.
This broader application of AI technology reflects Samsung’s commitment to delivering a smarter, more personalized smartphone experience.
What’s Next for Mobile AI?
TM Roh’s insights suggest that the mobile AI era will blend the best of traditional smartphone features with innovative AI-driven capabilities. As AI agents take center stage, multimodality and personalization will redefine how users interact with their devices.
However, the foundation of apps and touch-based interfaces remains unshaken, ensuring a smooth transition into this new era of mobile AI innovation.