Katarzyna Petru
Google has announced a full-scale Google Photos app for TVs. The new app will debut in 2026, with Samsung being the first manufacturer to make it available. This is a significant change, as until now even on Google TV users have only had access to a stripped-down version of Google Photos, primarily known for its screensaver feature. Currently, Google Photos on TVs operates in a very basic form – without advanced features, editing, or smart collections. This is set to change in 2026. Google is working on a dedicated app for TV platforms that will allow users to conveniently browse photos and memories on the big screen.
Google Photos on Samsung TVs
Samsung will be Google's first partner. The Google Photos app will be available on Samsung TVs from the 2026 model year starting March 2026. Importantly, support will also be extended to select older models through updates to Tizen OS. Shimrit Ben-Yair, VP of Google Photos and Google One, comments:
“Google Photos is where people store their photos and videos, organising memories and giving them new life. We’re excited to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs – allowing users to view their favourite photos on the big screen and rediscover memories in a whole new way.”
Features available at launch and in the following months
Samsung has revealed what capabilities Google Photos will offer on its televisions:
Memories (planned for early 2026)
Curated stories based on people, locations, and significant moments. For the first time, the Memories feature will be available on televisions and will be exclusively on Samsung for the first six months.
Create with AI (later in 2026)
A set of creative tools based on Google DeepMind's Nano Banana model. Users will receive themed templates, a Remix function that changes the artistic style of photos, and Photo to Video, which brings static photographs to life as short video clips.
Personalized Results (also later in 2026)
Intelligent, personalized slideshows created based on themes and content from memories – e.g., ocean, mountains, hikes, or specific cities like Paris.
Other TV platforms later
Google confirms that the Google Photos app will also be available on other TV platforms, but at a later date. Further details are expected to be revealed during CES or later in 2026. It seems that the television is increasingly becoming the centre of home memories, and Google Photos will finally get the form that users have been waiting for years.
