Gemini Task Automation Arrives on Galaxy S26: What It Means for Everyday Smartphone Tasks

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how we interact with our phones. Instead of simply responding to questions, AI assistants are starting to perform actions for us inside apps. Google’s Gemini is now taking a step in that direction with a feature called task automation, which is currently rolling out on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.

This update allows Gemini to carry out certain actions inside supported apps, helping users complete tasks faster through simple voice commands.

What Is Gemini Task Automation?

Gemini task automation, sometimes referred to as screen automation, allows the AI assistant to interact with apps on your behalf.

Instead of manually opening an app and navigating through menus, you can ask Gemini to complete specific steps for you. The assistant then performs the action in the background using the selected app.

For example, users can ask Gemini to order food from a restaurant using Uber Eats. The AI can open the app, select items, and add them to the cart automatically.

However, Gemini will stop before the final step of checkout. At that point, it sends a notification and returns control to the user to confirm the order. This design ensures that users maintain control over purchases and other important decisions.

How the Feature Works in Real Use

Early testing shows that Gemini can handle simple tasks quite well.

When a user asks the assistant to place a food order, the AI launches the appropriate app, selects menu items, and moves through the ordering process. It can even skip optional steps such as add on pages and move directly to the final checkout screen.

Once the cart is prepared, Gemini alerts the user and hands control back to them to complete the order.

While the process may not always be faster than manually using the app, the main advantage is convenience. The AI can handle repetitive steps while the user continues doing other things on their phone.

Apps That Currently Support Gemini Automation

At the moment, Gemini task automation works with a limited group of Android apps. Supported apps include:

• Lyft

• Uber

• Grubhub

• DoorDash

• Uber Eats

• Starbucks

Google has indicated that more apps may be added over time. When the feature is enabled, Gemini shows a list of compatible apps within its settings. The available apps depend on which ones are installed on the device.

Possible Future Expansion to Pixel Devices

Although the feature is currently rolling out on the Galaxy S26 series, Google is also expected to expand support to Pixel devices.

Reports suggest that Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL will eventually receive the same functionality. However, the feature does not appear to be widely active on those devices yet.

Users who want to check if it is available can look for the screen automation setting within the Gemini app.

AI Assistants and Everyday Phone Tasks

Features like Gemini task automation highlight a growing shift in how smartphones operate. Instead of navigating multiple apps and menus, users may increasingly rely on voice commands to perform routine actions.

Ordering food, requesting rides, scheduling tasks, or searching for information could eventually become simple one sentence commands handled by AI assistants in the background.

However, while automation helps with tasks inside apps, another common challenge people face when switching phones or upgrading devices is figuring out how to transfer my data safely and efficiently.

Moving Your Data Between Devices

When people upgrade to a new phone, transferring files and personal information becomes one of the first steps. Photos, contacts, videos, and documents often need to move from the old device to the new one.

Many users rely on built in tools, but sometimes additional solutions are helpful, especially when transferring information between different platforms. For example, some users turn to third party options like Smart Transfer, which is designed to help move files directly between devices using a wireless connection. I was able to transfer my data without any hassle. 

A tool like this can simplify situations where someone wants to transfer data between phones or perform an iPhone app transfer while switching devices. By sending files directly between phones, it helps avoid the need to upload large amounts of content to the cloud first. 

As smartphones become more powerful and store more data, having flexible ways to move files between devices continues to be useful.

Final Thoughts

Gemini task automation represents an interesting step forward for AI powered smartphones. Instead of simply answering questions, AI assistants are beginning to actively interact with apps and perform actions for users.

While the current list of supported apps is still small, the feature shows potential as more services become compatible. Over time, this kind of automation could make everyday smartphone tasks simpler and faster.

At the same time, tools that help users transfer my data between devices remain important, especially when upgrading phones or managing files across platforms.