Samsung and Google are teaming up to bring Google Photos to Samsung smart TVs, giving people a much easier way to enjoy their photo libraries on a bigger screen. The rollout is expected to begin as early as March 2026, and Samsung’s Tizen-powered TVs will be the first to get native Google Photos support.
For years, many smart TVs running Android TV or Google TV have only offered limited Google Photos functionality, typically through screensaver-style integrations. This upcoming update is set to change that experience by adding deeper, app-like Google Photos access on Samsung TVs, making it simpler to browse, relive, and share moments from your Google Photos library right from the couch.
Once it arrives, the integration is designed to feel built-in rather than bolted on. Samsung says Google Photos will connect smoothly with the TV experience so your images can surface in places like Daily+ and Daily Board, helping photos become part of your everyday home screen flow. Setup is expected to be straightforward as well: users should only need to sign in with their Google Account, after which their backed-up photos will appear on the TV.
The launch is planned in three phases, starting with a feature called Memories. Scheduled for March 2026, Memories will be exclusive to Samsung TVs for six months before expanding to other TV brands. It will generate curated stories based on people, places, and meaningful moments, essentially turning your library into a living highlight reel built for the largest screen in your home.
Later in 2026, Samsung says a second phase called Create with AI will arrive, bringing new creative tools for turning standard photos into more dynamic content. This phase will include themed templates created using Nano Banana, along with a Remix option that can change an image’s art style or even transform a still photo into a short video using AI. It’s aimed at making photo viewing more interactive, not just passive scrolling.
The third phase, Personalized Results, is also expected in the second half of 2026. This feature will let you search with a term tied to a place, activity, or theme—such as “ocean,” “hiking,” or “Paris”—and then see a slideshow generated from matching photos. It’s a more discovery-focused way to use your library, especially if you’ve been backing up photos for years and want a quick way to revisit specific trips or experiences.
As for availability, Samsung says Google Photos will arrive first on TVs launched in 2026. Older Samsung TV models are expected to receive it later, depending on the company’s OS update schedule. To use the features, you’ll need a Google account and photos or videos that are backed up to Google Photos.
