Google Photos has evolved far beyond a simple photo storage app. In 2026, it’s a powerful AI-driven platform that organizes, enhances, and shares your memories across devices—including TVs, smart displays, and wearables. Whether you’re a casual user or a photography enthusiast, here are the 10 most important things you must know about Google Photos right now.
1. 📺 Now Available on Samsung TVs
In a major update for 2026, Google Photos is now integrated into Samsung’s AI TV lineup. This means:
- You can view your photo library directly on your TV without casting or sideloading.
- The Memories feature—which curates highlights from your albums—is available exclusively on Samsung TVs for six months.
- You’ll need to sign in to your Google account on the TV to access your content.
This marks a shift toward immersive, family-friendly photo viewing experiences on the big screen.
2. 🧠 AI-Powered Memories and Storytelling
Google Photos uses advanced AI to automatically group your images into Memories, such as:
- “Trip to Jeju Island”
- “Best of 2025”
- “Family Moments”
These collections are visually enhanced with animations, music, and captions, and can be shared as short videos or slideshows. You can also customize or hide specific people or dates to tailor your experience.
3. 🗂️ Smart Organization and Search
Google Photos excels at organizing your library using facial recognition, location data, and object detection. You can search for:
- “Photos of Boom in 2023”
- “Beach sunsets in Busan”
- “Screenshots from January”
The search is fast, accurate, and now supports Korean language queries more reliably than ever.
4. 🛡️ Privacy Controls and Locked Folder
Your sensitive photos can be stored in a Locked Folder, protected by your device’s biometric authentication. This feature is ideal for:
- ID documents
- Private screenshots
- Personal images
Google Photos also allows you to turn off face grouping, disable location sharing, and manage sharing permissions with granular controls.
5. ✨ Editing Tools Rival Pro Apps
Google Photos includes powerful editing features like:
- Magic Eraser: Remove unwanted objects or people.
- Portrait Light: Adjust lighting on faces.
- Sky Enhancer: Automatically improve landscape shots.
These tools are free for Pixel users and available to others via Google One subscription.
6. ☁️ Seamless Cloud Backup
Photos and videos are automatically backed up to the cloud with:
- High-quality or original resolution options
- Free 15GB storage across Google services
- Expandable plans via Google One (100GB to 2TB+)
You can access your library from any device, and backups are encrypted end-to-end.
7. 🔄 Cross-Device Sync and Sharing
Google Photos syncs effortlessly across:
- Android and iOS phones
- Tablets and Chromebooks
- Smart displays and now Samsung TVs
You can share albums with family, create shared libraries, and even collaborate on albums with friends.
8. 🧬 AI-Generated Collages, Animations, and Cinematic Photos
Google Photos automatically creates:
- Cinematic photos with 3D effects
- Stylized collages and animations
- Highlight reels from trips or events
These creations are optional and can be saved, edited, or deleted. They’re a fun way to relive memories with a fresh twist.
9. 📦 Google One Integration
Subscribing to Google One unlocks:
- Extra storage (100GB to 2TB)
- Premium editing tools
- Family sharing for up to 5 members
- VPN and dark web monitoring (on select plans)
Plans start at USD $1.99/month, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your Google Photos experience.
10. 🔍 Future of Google Photos: AI and Ambient Computing
Google is investing heavily in ambient computing, meaning your photos will be accessible and meaningful across:
- Smart homes
- Wearables
- AR/VR devices
Expect features like voice-activated photo search, context-aware slideshows, and AI-generated memory timelines to become standard in the next few years.
📊 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Tier | Google One | Pixel Exclusive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Backup | 15GB | 100GB+ | 15GB |
| Editing Tools | Basic | Advanced | All tools |
| Locked Folder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cinematic Photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Magic Eraser | No | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung TV Access | Yes (2026) | Yes | Yes |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Google Photos in 2026 is more than a gallery—it’s a smart memory platform. With AI-driven organization, immersive viewing on Samsung TVs, and powerful editing tools, it’s one of the most versatile photo apps available. Whether you’re backing up family memories or crafting cinematic slideshows, Google Photos offers a seamless, secure, and creative experience.
