New AI platform requires flagship specs, leaving many older phones behind
Category: Science
Google's recently announced Gemini Intelligence is set to revolutionize the way Android devices handle tasks, but the new AI system comes with stringent hardware requirements that could leave many existing smartphones in the dust. During the Android Show last week, Google revealed that Gemini Intelligence will only be supported on devices equipped with at least 12GB of RAM and select flagship mobile system-on-chips (SoCs). This announcement has sparked concerns among users, particularly those with older premium devices that may not meet the new standards.
At the Android Show, Google detailed the capabilities of Gemini Intelligence, describing it as an advanced AI system that integrates data from users' Google accounts across various products to provide proactive assistance. The company specified that the system would be compatible only with high-end Android devices, significantly raising the bar for hardware specifications. Google confirmed that it has been testing Gemini Intelligence on the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10 series, which are among the few devices that meet the necessary requirements.
Gemini Intelligence requires devices to support Google's Gemini Nano v3 model or newer and the Android AICore service, which allows for local processing of AI tasks. This means that smartphones must have sufficient RAM and a qualified flagship chip, likely from Qualcomm, MediaTek, or Google's own Tensor line. The platform is built to execute complex tasks with minimal user input, such as automating multi-step actions across apps and creating custom widgets using natural language prompts. For example, users can send a photo of a shopping list, and Gemini Intelligence can automatically add items to a retailer's basket.
The implications of these requirements are considerable. According to reports, most current Galaxy phones, except for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, will not support Gemini Intelligence due to the lack of necessary specifications. Even devices that are only a couple of years old, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, will be excluded because they do not support the required Gemini Nano v3 model. This exclusion raises questions about the future of older flagship devices and whether they will receive updates that could make them compatible with Gemini Intelligence.
Google has indicated that, in addition to smartphones, Gemini Intelligence will also be available on Googlebooks—new devices merging Android and ChromeOS—as well as smartwatches and cars. The exact hardware requirements for these devices remain unclear, but the trend suggests that users will need to invest in newer models to take advantage of the latest AI features.
There are several caveats to the rollout of Gemini Intelligence. Devices must meet the hardware specifications and commit to long-term software support, including at least five years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. This raises the bar significantly, especially for mid-range and entry-level devices, which are unlikely to qualify under these stringent standards. The focus on high-end devices means that many users may feel pressured to upgrade their phones sooner than they had planned.
As noted by industry observers, the majority of smartphones compatible with Gemini Nano v3 are expected to be released in 2026, which means that users of older models may have to wait for a considerable time before they can utilize the full capabilities of Gemini Intelligence. The requirement for flagship chips also means that many older premium devices will be rendered obsolete in terms of this new technology.
Looking ahead, Google plans to roll out Gemini Intelligence starting in summer 2026. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are expected to ship with Gemini Intelligence pre-installed, marking a key milestone in the integration of AI into mobile devices. As the rollout approaches, it remains uncertain whether older flagship smartphones with Gemini Nano v2 will gain partial compatibility through future updates. Users are left to wonder if their existing devices will eventually be able to access the new AI features or if they will be forced to upgrade to stay current.
In addition to the technical challenges, there is a broader regulatory backdrop to watch. The EU Commission is currently pursuing proceedings under the Digital Markets Act, which could require Google to open hardware hooks to rival AI assistants by July 2026. This potential shift could significantly impact the competitive dynamics of AI on Android devices.
As Google moves forward with its ambitious plans for Gemini Intelligence, it is clear that the future of mobile AI will demand higher standards from hardware manufacturers and consumers alike. With the promise of powerful new features comes the challenge of ensuring that users have the right devices to take advantage of them. The pressure is on for smartphone manufacturers to keep pace with these developments, and for consumers, it may soon be time to reconsider their upgrade paths.