The mobile phone landscape іs increasingly divided between those with access tо on-device generative AI and those without. With the upcoming release оf the Samsung Galaxy S25, which іs packed with advanced AI features, the gap between newer and older devices becomes even more evident. While Samsung’s devices are built tо support cutting-edge AI, older models, like the iPhone 14 Pro, lack the hardware and software capabilities tо run the latest features. This division іs not just about hardware; іt highlights how software compatibility and AI advancements are rapidly reshaping the mobile experience, leaving owners оf older devices with limited access tо new technologies.
Samsung’s AI Advantage Over Apple
Samsung has gained a significant advantage by introducing on-device AI assistants in its Galaxy S25 lineup, ahead of Apple. The AI technology in the S25 includes a combination of both on-device and off-device features, enhancing users’ overall experience. In contrast, Apple users must wait for the promised AI updates, with most features expected to roll out in the spring. The Galaxy S25 series, with its sleek design resembling that of an iPhone, could encourage iPhone users to consider switching. Samsung’s devices offer immediate access to advanced AI functions, while Apple fans are left waiting for their turn.
The Trust and Reliability Issues with AI Integration
Despite Samsung’s bold strides with AI, the question of trust remains. Early demos of Samsung’s Gemini-based “agentic” AI, designed to handle tasks across apps, raised concerns about its reliability. While it may work well in some cases, the idea of entrusting AI to manage important tasks like scheduling or transcribing emails into calendar events is not without risks. If the AI makes mistakes, it could undermine its usefulness, forcing users to double-check its work. If this happens frequently, the time spent correcting the AI’s errors could negate any time saved, leading users to question whether the technology is truly beneficial or just another source of frustration.
The Pain of Being Left Behind with Older Devices
For many iPhone users, especially those with older models, the feeling оf being left behind іs palpable. Apple has long been known for its excellent software support, but with the increasing focus оn AI, older iPhones are starting tо feel outdated. While new iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro come with the hardware necessary tо support advanced AI features, older models like the iPhone 14 Pro are hampered by limitations such as smaller RAM and less powerful processors. This leaves users feeling increasingly isolated, unable tо access the latest and most exciting features. Even though older iPhones receive updates, the constant advancements іn AI make іt clear that unless users upgrade, they will continue tо fall further behind, deepening the divide between those with access tо the newest technologies and those without.
The Rise of Techno-Feudalism: AI and the Future of Mobile Devices
This growing divide between Android and iOS users, exacerbated by the implementation оf AI features, hints at a broader trend оf “techno-feudalism” — a world where those who can afford the latest technology are given exclusive access tо the most advanced tools, while others are left behind. Samsung has been better about providing some AI capabilities tо older devices, but even the Galaxy S23 and S24 models fall short compared tо the S25, which has been built specifically tо accommodate agentic AI. As the demand for memory-intensive AI features grows, the divide between users оf cutting-edge devices and those with older models will only widen. Whether оr not users even want these AI features, they will still face the consequences оf being excluded from the rapidly evolving mobile ecosystem.
