Katarzyna Petru
Google announced a full-fledged 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 big change, as until now even on Google TV users 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 for easy browsing of photos and memories on the big screen.
Google Photos on Samsung TVs
Samsung will be Google's first partner. The Google Photos app will appear on Samsung TVs from the 2026 model year in March 2026. Importantly, support will also reach select older models through updates to the Tizen OS. Shimrit Ben-Yair, VP of Google Photos and Google One, commented:
“Google Photos is a place where people store their photos and videos, organizing memories and giving them new life. We are excited to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs – enabling users to view their favorite photos on the big screen and rediscover memories in an entirely new way.”
Features available at launch and in the following months
Samsung revealed what features 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 come to televisions and will be available exclusively on Samsung for the first six months.
Create with AI (later in 2026)
A suite of creative tools based on Google DeepMind's Nano Banana model. Users will receive themed templates, a Remix feature that changes the artistic style of photos, and Photo to Video, which brings static images to life in the form of short video clips.
Personalized Results (also later in 2026)
Smart, personalized slideshows created based on themes and content of memories – e.g., ocean, mountains, hiking, or specific cities like Paris.
Other TV platforms later
Google confirms that the Google Photos app will also be available on other television 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 center of home memories, and Google Photos will finally get the form that users have been waiting for for years.
