Google Introduces Gemini Task Automation Beta on Samsung Galaxy S26

Google has reportedly begun rolling out Gemini task automation, a new AI-powered feature that enables the assistant to perform tasks within apps automatically. The feature, currently available in beta, has started appearing on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series following a recent software update.

The new capability allows Gemini to interact with supported applications, such as food delivery or ride-hailing services, to perform actions like placing orders or booking rides based on simple user prompts. However, users still retain control, as the system pauses before completing transactions and requires final approval.

Google Rolls Out Gemini Task Automation Beta for Galaxy S26

AI Automation Feature Arrives on Samsung’s Latest Flagship

Google has begun deploying its Gemini task automation feature—sometimes described as screen automation—on devices in the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup. Reports from technology outlets such as The Verge and 9to5Google indicate that the feature is appearing on certain Galaxy S26 units through a recent software update.

The system is designed to simplify everyday tasks on smartphones by allowing the AI assistant to complete multiple steps inside apps automatically. Instead of manually navigating different interfaces, users can simply type or speak a command to Gemini, which then carries out the task.

For example, a user might ask the assistant to order food or arrange a ride. Gemini can then open the relevant application, browse options, and prepare the request in the background.

The rollout marks an important step in integrating advanced artificial intelligence directly into smartphone workflows.

How Gemini Task Automation Works

Gemini task automation aims to make smartphone usage more efficient by allowing the AI assistant to handle routine digital actions.

When a user gives a command—such as requesting a ride to a specific location or ordering a meal—the system launches the appropriate app in a background interface. From there, Gemini proceeds to perform the necessary steps required to complete the task.

These steps may include:

• Entering pickup or delivery addresses

• Browsing menus or service options

• Selecting products or meals

• Adding items to the shopping cart

The automation takes place while the smartphone remains fully usable. This means users can continue chatting, browsing the internet, or using other apps while the AI assistant works in the background.

To ensure transparency, the system provides real-time progress updates through notifications, allowing users to track what the assistant is doing.

If necessary, users can interrupt or modify the task at any time.

Human Approval Required for Final Transactions

Although the system can perform multiple steps automatically, it does not complete transactions independently.

Instead, Gemini pauses just before the final confirmation stage. At that point, users are prompted to review the details of the order, ride booking, or purchase.

This approach ensures that users maintain control over payments and sensitive actions.

For example, when ordering food, Gemini might:

1. Select the restaurant

2. Add items to the cart

3. Enter the delivery address

However, the assistant will stop before placing the order. The user must review the cart and confirm the purchase manually.

The same principle applies to ride bookings or other services that require payment.

This safeguard is intended to prevent accidental transactions while still providing the convenience of automated steps.

Beta Rollout for Galaxy S26 Devices

The Gemini automation feature is currently rolling out in beta to the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Interestingly, the feature had already been announced during the launch event for Samsung’s latest flagship devices. However, early production units shipped without the functionality.

Recent software updates appear to be activating the feature for selected users, indicating that Google and Samsung are gradually enabling it as part of testing and optimization. Because the rollout is still in beta, availability may vary depending on device configuration and region.

Limited Regional Availability

At the moment, the Gemini task automation feature is expected to be available only in select markets.

Initial reports indicate that the rollout is currently limited to users in:

• The United States

• South Korea

These regions often serve as early testing markets for advanced smartphone features before wider global expansion.

There has been no confirmed timeline for availability in other regions yet.

Support for Select Apps

During the early stages of deployment, Gemini automation works with a limited number of supported applications.

Most of these apps fall into two categories: food delivery and ride-hailing services.

According to reports, supported apps currently include:

• Uber

• Lyft

• Uber Eats

• Grubhub

• DoorDash

• Starbucks

This limited app compatibility suggests that the system is still in its early development phase.

Over time, Google is expected to expand support to additional services and categories.

Expansion to Pixel Devices Expected

While the feature has begun appearing on Samsung devices first, Google previously announced that Gemini task automation will also be available on its own smartphones. Specifically, the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series is expected to receive the functionality.

However, the rollout for Pixel devices has not yet started. The decision to launch the feature first on Samsung devices may reflect the close partnership between Google and Samsung in developing AI-powered Android features.

A Step Toward Smarter AI Assistants

The introduction of Gemini task automation reflects a broader shift in how artificial intelligence is integrated into smartphones. Instead of simply responding to questions or providing recommendations, modern AI assistants are increasingly designed to complete tasks on behalf of users.

Industry analysts see this development as part of a larger trend toward agent-based AI systems that can interact with apps and services autonomously. Such capabilities could eventually allow smartphones to handle complex workflows, including travel planning, online shopping, and scheduling tasks.

However, developers must also balance automation with privacy, security, and user control. By requiring manual confirmation before completing transactions, Google appears to be taking a cautious approach to ensure that AI remains helpful without compromising user oversight.

Future Outlook for AI Automation

As AI capabilities continue to evolve, features like Gemini task automation may become standard across many devices. Future versions could potentially support a wider range of applications, including productivity tools, messaging platforms, and e-commerce services.

If widely adopted, such automation could significantly reduce the time users spend navigating apps and performing repetitive digital tasks. For now, the beta rollout on the Galaxy S26 series provides an early glimpse into how AI-powered automation could shape the next generation of smartphone experiences.