The next frontier for technology is artificial intelligence, and it’s impacting almost every industry, including smartphones. Although it’s only been a few years since the first AI-ready smartphone, the technology has become deeply integrated into the modern smartphone experience.

Almost every player in the smartphone industry is working on implementing artificial intelligence to improve user experience. This includes Apple with Apple Intelligence, Samsung with Galaxy AI, and Google with its Gemini AI model. To illustrate just how quickly AI is growing in the mobile world, 97% of mobile users already utilise AI-powered voice assistants, and more than 4 billion devices can utilise some form of AI.

Artificial intelligence in smartphones can come in two forms. The technology can be ‘on-device’ with a neural processing unit that specialises in performing AI-related tasks, or the artificial intelligence can be cloud-hosted, requiring an internet connection with information and data going ‘off-site’ to be processed. For example, Apple Intelligence utilises a mixed model, with some tools being available ‘on-device’, with others requiring an internet connection. Especially for cloud-hosted AI solutions, there has been a major concern regarding AI privacy and data protection.

This article covers everything you need to know about the AI technology currently available in smartphones and the type of data they collect. It’ll also be delving into AI and data protection and how to increase your AI privacy. 

AI Available in Smartphones

The latest smartphones are packed with various AI technology and tools, which can range from writing tools to voice assistants. Below, we’ve outlined the different ways AI can be used for smartphones:

Personal assistants

One of the main uses of AI in smartphones is as a personal assistant, such as Siri (Apple) and Gemini (Google). These assistants are designed to answer questions, set reminders, and more based on commands or input from the user.

Camera AI

Artificial intelligence has become commonplace in modern smartphone camera systems. AI tools can be used for scene optimisation, extra zoom settings, better night mode, and photo editing.

Writing tools

Another popular example of AI for smartphones is for writing tools. This includes using AI algorithms for predictive texts (based on learning from your typing habits), autocorrect, and grammar/spelling checks. Some AI models (like Apple Intelligence) can also suggest changes for you, such as changing the tone or style of writing. 

Personalised recommendations

Most smartphone AI collects and analyses user data to provide personalised recommendations. This includes personalised recommendations for music, news, videos and other content.

Biometric authentication

Artificial intelligence also powers biometric authentication systems, like Apple’s Face ID.

Generative AI

One of the most popular and discussed uses for AI is as a generative tool. Most smartphone AI models, including Apple Intelligence and Gemini, can generate content (like images or emojis) based on prompts. 

The most prominent artificial intelligence systems used in smartphones are Apple Intelligence, Samsung’s Galaxy AI, and Google’s Gemini. Apple Intelligence is only available for newer-model Apple devices running iOS, iPad OS and macOS Sequoia.

While Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini were both developed for use on Android devices, they are only available on select devices. Galaxy AI is only available on Samsung’s newer phones, like the flagship S24 and S25 series.

The unrestricted version of Google’s Gemini is only currently available for Google’s Pixel 9 line of devices. Older Pixel models do have access to ‘Gemini Nano’, which is a feature-limited version where only cloud-hosted tools are available.

What Information Does AI Gather?

The data collected by a smartphone’s AI will vary depending on the AI model itself, the specific feature you’re using and the app. For example, Apple Intelligence may collect data that is different from that of Samsung’s Galaxy AI.

The most common categories of data that an AI may collect include:

Location data

Many apps and services, especially built-in assistants like Siri and Gemini, may collect location data to provide relevant information.

Search history

Artificial intelligence may collect information from your search history to analyse for its algorithms to help personalise and improve results.

Usage data

Usage data is often commonly collected so a company can better understand how you interact and use an AI tool. 

Biometric data

Features like Face ID and fingerprint scanners collect biometric data for authentication purposes. 

Voice data

Voice assistants, like Siri and Gemini, need to collect and analyse voice data to perform voice commands and understand your requests.

Device information

It’s common for apps and services to collect information about your device, like its model and operating system. For example, this can be used to help optimise an AI tool for your specific device’s hardware.

Personal information

Depending on the app and service, it’s normal for personal information to be collected, like your name, email address, and date of birth.

In most cases, data collection is harmless and your data is protected throughout the process. For example, Apple recently posted about its commitment to protecting user data with its AI and Siri. In this post, Apple highlights that they will use ‘on-device’ processing wherever possible to minimise personal information being sent to and analysed on Apple’s (cloud) servers.

On-device AI, which collects and processes data, is inherently safer and more ‘protected’ than cloud-based AI tools. Artificial intelligence tools that are cloud-hosted means data and information are being sent back and forth to servers instead of on the user’s device. Depending on the device you use and the artificial intelligence features you’re interested in, it may be impossible to avoid using cloud-hosted AI tools. However, it is still possible to take steps to protect your privacy and data, which we’ll be outlining in the next section.

How To Protect Your Privacy and Data With Smartphone AI

In many cases, especially for cloud-hosted AI, the developers are taking steps to protect the privacy and data of their users. Apple recently reinstated their commitment to minimising data collection, using on-site device processing where possible, and moving to ‘Private Cloud Compute’ for Siri requests.

Samsung and Google have both posted similar press releases regarding their commitment to ethical AI privacy and data collection. Samsung highlights its approach to being ‘transparent’ when users interact with AI and collect minimal data for privacy and protection. Similarly, Google recently discussed AI and data protection regarding its Gemini model. The company said they are taking a ‘privacy-minded approach’ to the integration of AI features on Android devices and implementing end-to-end solutions to ensure data stays protected. 

However, we understand that you want more control over AI privacy. If you want to go beyond the default protections set up by your smartphone’s manufacturer, there are a few ways you can review and further protect your information. These include: 

Reviewing App Permissions

It’s possible on both Android and iOS to review the data an app or service has access to. You can choose to grant permission to certain information (like location), only grant permission in certain scenarios (like when the app is open), or refuse permission outright.

Limit Ad Tracking

If possible, we recommend turning off any ad-tracking settings. This will reduce the amount of personal data collected for personalised advertising.

Use A VPN

When possible, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, keeping your online activity more protected.

Stay Updated

Always keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated. This ensures that your phone always has the latest security patches, which reduces the risk of being hacked or having sensitive data stolen.

Adjust Privacy Settings

Many phones now have privacy-related settings. For example, on the Pixel 9, a Privacy tab in Settings allows you to choose what usage statistics and personal information are shared with Google to further personalise your user experience and improve their tools.

For the average user, the developers behind AI (e.g., Samsung, Apple, Google) have already taken measures to protect their users' data and privacy. There are further steps you can take, though, if you want to be proactive and extra vigilant. It’s also important to remember that in most cases, data collection for the use of improving AI is often anonymised and aggregated. This means that the data collected is combined with other users, so individual privacy is still kept and protected, but AI algorithms can still ‘learn’ and improve.

Buy The Latest Smartphones at OzMobiles

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All the devices we sell undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process so you can shop with confidence. You get the guarantee of having a qualified technician inspect and test the device, ensuring every component is fully functional and running like new.

If you have any questions about our smartphones or need help finding the right AI-powered phone, contact us today. Our team would love to hear from you and help you find the right device to suit your needs.