One feature that Google has so far kept exclusive to its own Pixel phones may finally be heading to a flagship Samsung device. According to new rumors, the Galaxy S26 lineup could gain AI-powered Scam Detection alerts, a tool designed to warn users about potential scams in real time.
The discovery comes from Android Authority, which spotted references buried in the latest version of the Google Phone app. The hidden code includes several unfamiliar model numbers that appear to correspond to the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Notably, these model numbers are listed alongside existing Pixel devices and references to “Sharpie”, Google’s internal codename for its Scam Detection feature. Put together, it strongly suggests that Scam Detection could be enabled on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 phones when they launch—likely as soon as next month.
That said, nothing is confirmed just yet. One complication is that Samsung phones use the Samsung Phone app by default, not Google’s. This could mean Samsung plans to switch to Google’s app going forward, or that it will integrate the same Scam Detection technology into its own dialer.
A genuinely useful AI feature
Scam Detection is a good example of AI being used for something genuinely practical. The system analyzes patterns associated with known scam behavior and alerts users if a call or message appears suspicious. It works across both calls and text messages, with all processing handled on-device, meaning no data is sent back to Google.
The feature is disabled by default and, once enabled, only monitors interactions with numbers not saved in your contacts, so familiar callers won’t suddenly be flagged as potential scammers.
At present, Scam Detection is available on Pixel 6 and newer devices in the US, and on Pixel 9 and later models (excluding the Pixel 9a) in markets including Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the UK. On newer phones like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, the feature is powered by Gemini Nano.
Google doesn’t claim Scam Detection is foolproof, but even an imperfect system could help prevent users from losing money or handing over sensitive personal information. If it does arrive on the Galaxy S26 series, it would add to an already growing list of leaks and rumors surrounding Samsung’s next flagship—and one that could meaningfully improve everyday security for users.
